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Six Spotted Fishing Spider
(Dolomedes triton)
Photo by permission of Signa Williams
Seasons in Walnut Creek: Year-round resident
Dolomedes triton is semi aquatic, and is found in slow flowing streams or ponds around boats, docks, and general bodies of water. While it is native to North Carolina, it is unknown when it was first spotted here. It is diurnal, or, hunts during the day. These spiders pose no threat to humans, although they do carry venom which they inject into their prey.
Key Field Marks:
- Six spots on abdomen
- Color varies significantly from green to black
- Dark bands radiate from dorsal to grove
- Heart mark is pale
Key Behaviors:
- Diurnal
- Hangs legs onto the surface of water to lure fish
- Strangles and injects venom into prey
Habit and Range:
- Lakeside vegetation, boat docks and other structures near bodies of water
- North America east of Rocky Mountains and Europe
Walnut Creek Sighting: Multiple sightings in flood plain west of State Street bridge.
Photo by permission of Jane Wyche
Photo by permission of Jane Wyche
This page prepared by 8th grader Alyssa S.
Exploris Middle School - Fall 2008
