White-Banded Fishing Spider

The White-Banded Fishing Spider (Dolomedes albineus), belongs to the nursery web spider family Pisauridae. These spiders are most frequently observed in Illinois close to streams, ponds, or other bodies of water. White-banded fishing spider females can grow to a maximum length of 23 millimeters. Males, meanwhile, have a maximum growth size of 18 millimeters. They come in a range of colors, although the majority of specimens have black patterns and seem brown or mossy green. The white band that runs over the area behind their eyes, around their jaws, and occasionally even around their entire carapace is where they get their name.

Along with insects, white-banded fishing spiders also hunt for tiny vertebrates. They have the ability to run over the water's surface and dive beneath it to grab small fish and tadpoles. Despite their size, their bite is not thought to be very dangerous.