Dolomedes tenebrosus
(Dark Fishing Spider)

He’s a young Fishing Spider going out on his own. Spiders are freeze-resistant when they are young. I’ve found young Wolf Spiders living under sheets of ice. Earthworms, slugs, and pill bugs are available to eat under the ice. For spiders, that is. For us it’s a last resort. I don’t know why Dark Fishing Spiders tend to be found on doorsteps, doors, and exterior walls near doors. There might be a “heat island” effect. They also show up on brick chimneys and car tires. My father ended up with one in his face while he was replacing a flat… Read more »