The Dark Fishing Spider is a special spider from the Pisauridae family. It looks a lot like the striped fishing spider. Here’s something wild: after these spiders mate, the male often becomes a meal for the female! In this blog, we’ll share more amazing facts about this unique spider.
Around June, the female spider lays around 1,000-1,400 eggs in a sac that is attached to her body. A few days before hatching, the female joins the egg sac or case to a surface and builds a nursery web around it.
After hatching around July, the young ones become dependent on their mothers and stay in a nursery web for a little time.
Dark Fishing Spiders do not construct webs for prey capture. Instead, their webs serve as protective nurseries for their young. These nursery webs are usually woven close to surfaces, offering additional support and safety for the spiderlings.
Yes, Dark Fishing Spiders have venom. They use it to catch their meals. For people, this venom is generally not harmful.
Yes, Dark Fishing Spiders can bite. They don’t usually bother humans, but if they’re scared or surprised, they might give a small bite.
The Dark Fishing Spider plays a vital role in controlling insect populations, contributing to the balance of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Their hunting skills extend to both land and water, showcasing their adaptability and importance in nature.
Natural Predators: Birds and larger arachnids pose threats to the Dark Fishing Spider, creating a natural check and balance within the ecosystem.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: The Dark Fishing Spider’s role as both predator and prey underscores the complexity of food webs, highlighting the spider’s significance in maintaining ecological stability.
Relationship with Humans: Despite their occasional ventures indoors, Dark Fishing Spiders are not a threat to humans. Their presence can be beneficial, as they help control insect populations. Educating the public about these spiders fosters coexistence and appreciation for their role in nature.
| Distribution | USA and Canada |
| Habitat | Trees, wooded surfaces, and inside the house |
| Diet | Aquatic insects and small fish |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Not listed |
In summary, the Dark Fishing Spider is a captivating species, with its unique behaviors, physical characteristics, and ecological importance making it a noteworthy subject of study and admiration.
Image Credit: Takepart.com, Nature.mdc.mo.gov, Newsroom.unl.edu, Dispatch.com,Images.fineartamerica.com, Bugguide.net,
Spiderbytes.org
The Dark Fishing Spider is a special spider from the Pisauridae family. It looks a lot like the striped fishing spider. Here’s something wild: after these spiders mate, the male often becomes a meal for the female! In this blog, we’ll share more amazing facts about this unique spider.
Around June, the female spider lays around 1,000-1,400 eggs in a sac that is attached to her body. A few days before hatching, the female joins the egg sac or case to a surface and builds a nursery web around it.
After hatching around July, the young ones become dependent on their mothers and stay in a nursery web for a little time.
Dark Fishing Spiders do not construct webs for prey capture. Instead, their webs serve as protective nurseries for their young. These nursery webs are usually woven close to surfaces, offering additional support and safety for the spiderlings.
Yes, Dark Fishing Spiders have venom. They use it to catch their meals. For people, this venom is generally not harmful.
Yes, Dark Fishing Spiders can bite. They don’t usually bother humans, but if they’re scared or surprised, they might give a small bite.
The Dark Fishing Spider plays a vital role in controlling insect populations, contributing to the balance of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Their hunting skills extend to both land and water, showcasing their adaptability and importance in nature.
Natural Predators: Birds and larger arachnids pose threats to the Dark Fishing Spider, creating a natural check and balance within the ecosystem.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: The Dark Fishing Spider’s role as both predator and prey underscores the complexity of food webs, highlighting the spider’s significance in maintaining ecological stability.
Relationship with Humans: Despite their occasional ventures indoors, Dark Fishing Spiders are not a threat to humans. Their presence can be beneficial, as they help control insect populations. Educating the public about these spiders fosters coexistence and appreciation for their role in nature.
| Distribution | USA and Canada |
| Habitat | Trees, wooded surfaces, and inside the house |
| Diet | Aquatic insects and small fish |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Not listed |
In summary, the Dark Fishing Spider is a captivating species, with its unique behaviors, physical characteristics, and ecological importance making it a noteworthy subject of study and admiration.
Image Credit: Takepart.com, Nature.mdc.mo.gov, Newsroom.unl.edu, Dispatch.com,Images.fineartamerica.com, Bugguide.net,
Spiderbytes.org
Dr. James Watuwa on January 25, 2019.
Spider Team
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