Unlike those that construct elaborate webs, some spiders instead perch at the shore with extended legs and sense prey through vibrations on the surface of the water. When the prey is detected, the spider runs across the top of the water, prompting some to call it the “Jesus spider.”
I spotted this cool-looking Six-spotted Fishing Spider (Dolomedes triton) in the shallow water of a pond this past Monday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
So funny… I’ve never heard of a ‘Jesus spider’! And its odd-looking, like its made of gel. And there’s interesting patches where it touches the surface of the water. A change in the viscosity of the water perhaps, just shadows, I dunno!
These spiders are definitely different. Only some of my photos show those dark patches on the water. I am not sure what caused them, but I wonder if they are caused when the spider changes its body position. The image reminds me of the face of a clock, though I don’t know many people who would want a spider clock. 🙂
We catch these all the time (by accident) when netting in our pond. They are beautiful spiders! But they get big and always freak me out when I see them. Thanks for sharing!
This one was pretty small, but I have seen others that were huge. Many people are totally creeped out by spiders and I tend to get a mixed reaction when I post spiders of them. I find them to be fascinating, though I am not sure if I would want to pick one up to remove it from a net.
And they eat tadpoles and minnows…they’re pretty tough spiders.
Yikes. That’s pretty good sized prey for a spider.
I love the “background” provided by the grasses.
I was trying to shoot down as straight as I could and was happy to be able to capture the grass like that.
Benjamin is fascinated with this “water walking spider!” After I read the post and he examined the enlarged photo, he asked one question : “How does he do that and not fall down in the water?” Good question, no answer…but, we are going to do some research for a resolution. This is a very interesting spider! Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!
I am not sure if you found an answer to Benjamin’s question. Here was one response that I found. https://www.livescience.com/32639-how-do-animals-walk-on-water.html
That is a “cool looking” spider Mike! I enjoy seeing what you find at this NWR. We are retiring soon so it is on my list of NWRs to visit!
Retiring? That’s on my list of things to do. I am on a glide path in that direction–six years ago I cut back to three days a week, which freed up some time to devote to photography. Increasingly I am thinking that it may be time to hang up work altogether. 🙂
An excellent lesson in surface tension. Nice shot!
Creepy, but fun! Related to Water Strider?
They both can walk on water, but I don’t think they are actually related. I’ll do a little checking and see if I can find any info about that.
Reblogged this on COFFEE WITH THE CAT LADY and commented:
I hate spiders, but I love to see them up close, to examine their delicate and fascinating details. This is a water spider, and I find that interesting. I certainly do not relish getting close enough to photograph them. I always know that its friend is hiding under the leaf by my “bare” foot. (One of the hazards of grounding.) I also love butterflies and eagles and turtles and frogs. Mike senses the need of us humans to be able to see God’s creation up closely. Once again I want to thank him for sharing his work with us. If you like this cuddly spider, let me know. I will share more of his work.