Raft Spider and young
The raft spider, Dolomedes fimbriatus, is a spider in the family Pisauridae. Found only in or near damp places, raft spiders are the largest in Great Britain. They are capable of moving across water and submerging themselves for periods of time to protect themselves from prey. Adult females are the larger of the species with bodies measuring 22 mm long and with a leg span of about 70 mm. Raft spiders are semi-aquatic and live their lives around acidic bogs. They are dark brown or black in color with a large stripe of white or cream along their sides. A second similar of species of raft spider (Dolomedes plantarius) occurs in Britain as well. Though less particular about its habitat, which tends to be neutral to alkaline, unpolluted water, it is far more rare. Sometimes called the fishing spider. Sits at the edge of pools with its front legs resting on the surface of the water. From this position it can detect the vibrations made by any small creatures as they touch the water. Using the surface tension it can run across the water to catch its prey. When alarmed it can dive under the surface of the water and remain submerged for several minutes.
Size: 5288px × 3512px
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., animalia, arachnid, arachnida, araneae, arthropoda, babies, bogs, brood, class:, ditches, dolomedes, family:, fauna, fimbriatus, genus:, guardian, guarding, hunter, insect, kingdom:, marshes, nature, order:, phylum:, pisauridae, predator, protecting, species:, stalker, swimmer, wildlife
