Water spider

Fact Box Species: Megadolomedes australianus (QM) (Older books may call this spider a Dolomedes species) Family: Pisauridae Body length: female: at least 25 mm male: at least 20 mm Habitat: This spider is often seen running on the surface of still-water ponds. It can lay eggs underwater in large air bubbles. Some specimens live in an irregular web just above the water level. Surprisingly, specimens are occasionally found in moist habitats not next to surface water Toxicity: Possibly can cause mild illness in humans

A closer view Another female Another female Another view

The main characteristic that distinguishes this species from most of the other Australian pisaurids is the presence of very long, tapering legs.

Known Range: This species seems to be most common near creeks and small dams in near-coastal NSW and perhaps pars of Victoria. There are several other Megadolomedes species in the same general area, particularly Megadolomedes trux, the range of which extends up into South Queensland.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: None.