For Geoff or anybody - Warning!!!! Vivid spider content!!!!!!!!!!!

[Marie Hass]

Dear Geoff,

I am truely spider phobic, but I did my duty long enough to get some pictures.

When the weather has been warmer through the winter, the spiders grow to phenomenal proportions. This one was 4 inches as she was spread out walking, 3 1/2 inches sitting still. Did I mention that I HATE spiders?

1.


2.


3.


But, what kind is it? My studies suggest a wolf spider?

Anyone, please comment?

[Digital]

Dear Geoff,

I am truely spider phobic, but I did my duty long enough to get some pictures.

When the weather has been warmer through the winter, the spiders grow to phenomenal proportions. This one was 4 inches as she was spread out walking, 3 1/2 inches sitting still. Did I mention that I HATE spiders?

1.


2.


3.


But, what kind is it? My studies suggest a wolf spider?

Anyone, please comment?

For someone who hates spiders you did a fantastic job with your little "friend".

Bruce

[teokf]

Yeap, for a spider hater those are great shots. My fav is #2.

[Bobobird]

Nice work on a subject that gives you the shudders.

Like 2.

[Marie Hass]

She currently resides in my refrigerator and is rather sluggish, so tolerates being moved about. If she moved any quicker, I would have run away, screaming like a girl - after I smushed it.

[Marie Hass]

Simon,

Now I have no clue. It is the size and body of a larger wolf spider, but has the eyes of a nursery web spider. I may submit the picture for identification.

Thanks for the information.

Marie

[flashback]

Just based on size and the stripped pattern on the legs, I believe it's a member of the genus Dolomedes (fishing spider). Based on the light color I would further identify it to D. scriptus. Commonly found near water it is also found in woods away from water. I don't see any pronounced pedipalps so would believe it's a female.
Awesome pics!

[benm]

>> She currently resides in my refrigerator ...

Obviously, there is a story here that you are not telling.

[Geoff F]

When I have to photograph insects away from their natural environment, that is what I do. Store them in a collecting tube inside a domestic refrigerator.

Then prepare a suitable background such as some large leaves etc in the bottom of a shallow tray.

The tray means that I can easily change the shooting angle by rotating or tilting the tray. I use a piece of wood to act as a wedge.

But some species will warm up really quickly so I have to set up my camera, tripod and lighting in advance and take some test shots. Sometimes I only get two or three shots before they warm up and fly out of my window.

[flashback]

Simon, without better angles i'd go with D. scriptus based on the light color. D. Tenebrosus is darker. There dies appear to be a W on theabdomen. Byt ckearly not a wolf spider, they just dont get that big.

[Marie Hass]

I am sorry for the wait in my reply. I was on the road.

Ben, the spider only stayed in there overnight. Long enough to get some pictures. Rather her contained than loose. Ugh. I do hate spiders. Did I say that already? But my fascination for her size overwhelmed my fears, especially since she was docile.

Simon, yes I did release her - into my flower gardens where there are lots of bugs.

Geoff, thank you for the tip on how to arrange and display. That would have been a far better option than my mousepad!

Jack, when I get home, I will check and see what other shots I have. I may be able to provide more of an ariel view.

Thanks, all, for your input on classification. I would believe it is a Dolomedes tenebrosus also, based on Simon's link.

[benm]

Thanks for the clarification. I didn't know one could do that.