Fishing Spider

Natural Habitat

Usually found near water, but this species (D. tenebrosus) is often found in wooded areas, on tree trunks, or occasionally inside homes.

Diet & Feeding

Insects and occasionally small fish or tadpoles. They are active hunters that do not use webs to catch prey.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal hunters with excellent vision. They can run across the surface of water and even dive beneath it to escape predators or catch prey.

Risks & Benefits

Beneficial as they control insect populations. They are not medically significant to humans, though they can bite if handled roughly; the bite is typically comparable to a bee sting.

Identified on: 5/25/2026