Comments & ID Thoughts
This looks like a Dark Fishing Spider (Dolomedes tenebrosus), photographed on our exterior door. It was about 2 1/2”, leg to leg.
- Submitted by:
- Submitted: May 22, 2021
- Photographed: May 22, 2021
- Spider: Unidentified
- Location: Deerfield, New Hampshire, United States
- Spotted Outdoors: Man-made structure (building wall, fences, etc.)
- Found in web?: No
- Attributes:
This is clearly Dolobedes tenebrosus, one of the largest, if not largest, spiders in New England. I have not seen the famous Lycosa carolinensis which represents the largest North American wolf spider but their range supposedly includes New Hampshire. Dolomedes is very large and although not technically dangerous, as with any spider bite, the venom can have unpredictable results when factoring in allergy, immune system response etc., and the bite location. I know a contractor who was bitten by Dolomedes T. and he suffered a painful lesion with systemic effects including dizziness & nausea. Rule of thumb, never allow a… Read more »
TYPO, I meant DOLOMEDES tenebrosus:-)