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Dolomedes dondalei
Large beautiful spider. Over 3 inches long with large body. I have included my thumb in the 4th photo to give an idea of scale. I think it is a nursery web or wolf spider Dolomedes minor or Dolomedes aquaticus but if anyone could tell me which one or another species I would be grateful.
Found on the banks of a small stream in native forest at Waihirere Domain waterfall. The small shrub it was on was right on the stream bank above the water. No nursery web present.
Thanks so much triggsturner. They are such beautiful big spiders and we did find them on a bush shaded creek bed :) . It's great to finally know what they are.
Hi Mary.Your absolutely right that this is a nursery web spider but looking at the tell tale black marks behind its eyes and the patterning on the abdomen I would say it is a relatively newly named Dolmedes dondalei. It is very similar to aquaticus but appears to be more at home in bush shaded creek beds.
Spotted on May 19, 2013
Submitted on May 19, 2013
