Six-spotted Fishing Spider

Description:

A spider that seems to be able to float, swim or walk on water; identified by its large size and distinctive markings. They have eight eyes with good vision and the body is grey to brown. They have a white to a pale cream colored stripe running down each side of the cephalothorax. The abdomen has many light colored spots and also has light colored lines running down the sides of the abdomen. When this species is seen from below, there are six dark spots present on the bottom of the cephalothorax in which the common name is derived

Habitat:

Lake Emma, near lily pads in Glendalough State Park, Minnesota; semi-aquatic and live in wetland habitats such as ponds, lake shores, and they can also inhabit slow-moving streams. They can be found among vegetation, rocks and other structures near the water such as boat docks. They often dive underwater and grab onto a plant when frightened.

Notes:

Breeding takes place when the male does his courtship ritual. This can be the end of the male's life because cannibalism does occur. Often seen with legs sprawled out by the water, waiting for prey. These spiders eat other invertebrates, tadpoles and occasionally small fish. They hunt by the water’s surface in which they can walk on water and dive under up to 18 cm (7.1 in) to capture prey.