I’m excited to share another fascinating find from my recent visits to the Phillip Parks Memorial Fishing Pier at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. This location has been a treasure trove of wildlife photography opportunities, and I’ve been thrilled to document and share the various creatures I’ve encountered here.
The Star of Today’s Post: The Six-Spotted Fishing Spider
While exploring the pier, I came across a spider that I believe is the Six-spotted Fishing Spider. If you think otherwise, please let me know! These spiders are quite interesting and a bit intimidating due to their size and aquatic habits.
Identifying the Six-Spotted Fishing Spider
The Six-spotted Fishing Spider (Dolomedes triton) is known for:
- Distinctive Spots: As their name suggests, these spiders have six spots on their underside, although identifying these can be tricky without flipping them over!
- Size: They are relatively large spiders, with a leg span that can reach up to 3 inches.
- Coloration: Their bodies are usually dark brown or black, with lighter markings on their backs.
Behavior and Habitat
Six-spotted Fishing Spiders are semi-aquatic, often found near bodies of water like ponds, streams, and of course, fishing piers. They are proficient hunters, using the water’s surface tension to detect and capture prey. Here’s what makes them particularly fascinating:
- Water Walking: They can walk on water using the surface tension, a sight that’s both eerie and amazing!
- Diving Skills: They can also dive beneath the water to catch small fish and insects. They breathe by trapping air in the hairs on their abdomen, allowing them to stay submerged for several minutes.
- Diet: Their diet primarily consists of aquatic insects, but they won’t shy away from small fish and tadpoles.
Every trip to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge brings new surprises and learning opportunities. The Six-spotted Fishing Spider is just one of the many incredible creatures you can find here. Watching these spiders in their natural habitat offers a glimpse into their world and behaviors, enriching our understanding of the local ecosystem.
Feel free to share your thoughts or correct me if you have more insights about this spider. Until next time, happy wildlife watching and photographing!