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Project Noah Nature School
2 inches in diameter overall
spotted on foot bridge leading to waterfall
This spider was very fast, disappearing under the boards in a flash at the slightest vibration. I would reappear just as quickly.
Though there are similarities, I'm still not sure. Most all water and fishing spiders have the distinct white lines down the body.
I find spiders like these fascinating, but they still give me the heebie-jeebies!
Does looks like a huntsman. However it also looks a lot like a Giant Water Spider (Megadolomedes australianus).
http://minibeastwildlife.blogspot.com/
(scroll down about half way)
It is interesting that the caption on the link says it prefers running water... given the area of your spotting. But i don't know if this apecies or other Magadolomedes occur in Costa Rica.
This may be a fishing spider (Dolomedes). The fact that it was near water strengthens my conclusion. Take a look at http://bugguide.net/node/view/1985/bgima... and see what you think. Especially look at tenebrosus, the dark fishing spider.
Spotted on Jan 4, 2012
Submitted on Feb 25, 2012
