Fishing Spider Dolomedes tenebrosus

Identification
This spider has brown patterned body and long legs.

Location
Common statewide

Size
One inch body

Diet
It feeds on insects tadpoles and small fish.

Habitat
It occurs near streams and ponds.

Activity Period
May to September

Behavior
It can run on water surfaces. It is active in warm months.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in summer.

Population
The population is stable statewide.

History
It has long been native to Ohio.

Human Interactions
It may startle people due to size but is harmless.

Facts
It can dive underwater to escape predators.

Sources
ODNR academic sources

Insects tadpoles small fish | Streams ponds forests | Statewide