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A fishing spider goes "down under"
Mar 28, 2020 00:53:42   #
Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI
 
I have waited a long time to bring out these pictures.

The six-spotted fishing spider (Dolomedes triton) is a large semi-aquatic spider that sits out on floating vegetation, often far from shore according to reports, and from these rafts they hunt insects and even small fish. The first picture was shown here a few years ago, and its records one of my first encounters with these spiders. You can see how they can make a lasting impression.
Six-spotted fishing spider by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Ever since then I had it in the back of my mind to one day catch a fishing spider, bring it home, and document some of their special behaviors in staged settings. And so begins a series of posts about the results.

The spider that came home is introduced in the next pictures. While she was here, she was kept in an aquarium with a few inches of water and lily pads. The first picture was photographed through glass.
Six-spotted fishing spider by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Six-spotted fishing spider by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Six-spotted fishing spider by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

When frightened, fishing spiders will quickly dash away and duck into the water. It seemed likely that the fine pile of hairs that cover their body would support a layer of air around them while under water. Here she is under water, and yes a thin film of air covers her body.
Fishing spider under water! by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Finally, the aquarium had a glass bottom and so I could lie underneath it and photograph from below. To help with the orientation of the last picture, you are looking up at the spider through the bottom of the aquarium and the spider is meanwhile under water. The air around her body makes her buoyant so she floats upside down under the lily pad. After a few minutes she popped back to the surface; barely wetted by her plunge.
Fishing spider under water! by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

And then there are minnows also seen in this picture. Fishing spiders do hunt them, you know, and that is something to see next week. Stay tuned! Stay safe!

Reply
Mar 28, 2020 04:09:01   #
frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.
 
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
I have waited a long time to bring out these pictures.

The six-spotted fishing spider (Dolomedes triton) is a large semi-aquatic spider that sits out on floating vegetation, often far from shore according to reports, and from these rafts they hunt insects and even small fish. The first picture was shown here a few years ago, and its records one of my first encounters with these spiders. You can see how they can make a lasting impression.
Six-spotted fishing spider by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Ever since then I had it in the back of my mind to one day catch a fishing spider, bring it home, and document some of their special behaviors in staged settings. And so begins a series of posts about the results.

The spider that came home is introduced in the next pictures. While she was here, she was kept in an aquarium with a few inches of water and lily pads. The first picture was photographed through glass.
Six-spotted fishing spider by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Six-spotted fishing spider by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Six-spotted fishing spider by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

When frightened, fishing spiders will quickly dash away and duck into the water. It seemed likely that the fine pile of hairs that cover their body would support a layer of air around them while under water. Here she is under water, and yes a thin film of air covers her body.
Fishing spider under water! by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Finally, the aquarium had a glass bottom and so I could lie underneath it and photograph from below. To help with the orientation of the last picture, you are looking up at the spider through the bottom of the aquarium and the spider is meanwhile under water. The air around her body makes her buoyant so she floats upside down under the lily pad. After a few minutes she popped back to the surface; barely wetted by her plunge.
Fishing spider under water! by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

And then there are minnows also seen in this picture. Fishing spiders do hunt them, you know, and that is something to see next week. Stay tuned! Stay safe!
I have waited a long time to bring out these pictu... (show quote)


Mark, very good article and photos. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait for more.

Reply
Mar 28, 2020 09:08:07   #
photosbytw Loc: Blue Ridge Mountains
 
Again, I'm impressed......

Reply
 
 
Mar 28, 2020 09:12:58   #
tinusbum Loc: east texas
 
nice series! i was looking for one yesterday,in the spot i found them last year.no luck

Reply
Mar 28, 2020 11:18:03   #
kpmac Loc: Ragley, La
 
Excellent images and thanks for the narrative.

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Mar 28, 2020 17:26:58   #
EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England
 
Brilliant recording Mark and talented photography. What a handsome spider!

Reply
Mar 29, 2020 10:21:37   #
napabob Loc: Napa CA
 
great documentation and love the last one with the photo-bombing fish.........

Reply
 
 
Mar 29, 2020 10:24:50   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 
Incredible work, Mark. Good narrative, as well.
--Bob
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
I have waited a long time to bring out these pictures.

The six-spotted fishing spider (Dolomedes triton) is a large semi-aquatic spider that sits out on floating vegetation, often far from shore according to reports, and from these rafts they hunt insects and even small fish. The first picture was shown here a few years ago, and its records one of my first encounters with these spiders. You can see how they can make a lasting impression.

Ever since then I had it in the back of my mind to one day catch a fishing spider, bring it home, and document some of their special behaviors in staged settings. And so begins a series of posts about the results.

The spider that came home is introduced in the next pictures. While she was here, she was kept in an aquarium with a few inches of water and lily pads. The first picture was photographed through glass.

When frightened, fishing spiders will quickly dash away and duck into the water. It seemed likely that the fine pile of hairs that cover their body would support a layer of air around them while under water. Here she is under water, and yes a thin film of air covers her body.

Finally, the aquarium had a glass bottom and so I could lie underneath it and photograph from below. To help with the orientation of the last picture, you are looking up at the spider through the bottom of the aquarium and the spider is meanwhile under water. The air around her body makes her buoyant so she floats upside down under the lily pad. After a few minutes she popped back to the surface; barely wetted by her plunge.


And then there are minnows also seen in this picture. Fishing spiders do hunt them, you know, and that is something to see next week. Stay tuned! Stay safe!
I have waited a long time to bring out these pictu... (show quote)

Reply
Mar 29, 2020 11:08:54   #
sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri
 
True master-class work..!

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Mar 29, 2020 12:54:50   #
Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI
 
Thank you, everybody.

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Mar 29, 2020 13:54:48   #
docshark Loc: Millersville, PA
 
A great set Mark. Did you have to show that poor Pondhawk?
-Doc

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Mar 30, 2020 18:11:07   #
raymondh Loc: Walker, MI
 
Exceptionally well done!

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