Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > General/curiosity insects > Insect relatives 1 inch and larger > Fishing spider

Fishing spider

Dolomedes tenebrosus

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Description: 1 1/4 inches long; including the legs up to 3 1/2 inches long. Varying shades of brown. Markings on the abdomen are variable but three chevron markings are usually visible. Legs are banded.

Where/When: Associated with water, such as ponds, swamps, and slow-moving streams. However, can also be found a distance away from water sources. Active spring and summer.

Significance: Beneficial as a predator on insects and occasionally small vertebrate animals, like tadpoles and small fish. Despite size, does not harm people.

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