Raft spider

Raft spiders are semi-aquatic and adults inhabit freshwater wetlands, specifically wet heaths and acid swamps; although juveniles are predominantly found in terrestrial vegetation surrounding wetland areas. Dolomedes fimbriatus was described in chapter 5 of the book Svenska Spindlar by the Swedish arachnologist and entomologist Carl Alexander Clerck. It is the type species of its genus. == Behaviour ==

Like many other species of the genus Dolomedes (Greek translation= crafty or wily), the raft spider typically hunts on the surface of the water with its front appendages outstretched and relies on aquatic vibrations to detect prey. Juveniles are thought mainly to hunt in terrestrial vegetation. Their diet consists largely of freshwater invertebrates such as water beetles, pond striders and dragonfly larvae, but they occasionally feed on small vertebrates such as sticklebacks and small frogs. Males will try to court the female and prevent her from attacking by signalling their presence using vibrations on the female dragline. However, Dolomedes fimbriatus is one of the few species known to attempt to attack nearly all approaching males. If successful copulation takes place, the female will carry her fertilised egg sac around with her, before placing the egg sac inside a silken nursery tent that she has made. The female will then guard the nursery until the spiderlings are ready to disperse into the surrounding habitat. JuvenileFimbriatus.jpg|Juvenile raft spider Dolomedes fimbriatus 720x576.ogv|Dolomedes fimbriatus (video) Raft spider (Dolomedes fimbriatus) female.jpg|Female raft spider carrying egg sac Juvenile Dolomedes fimbriatus.jpg|Juvenile Dolomedes fimbriatus ==References==