Six-spotted Fishing Spiders (Dolomedes triton) sense their prey through vibrations in the water, so generally when I see them they have several legs lighting touching the surface of the water. When I spotted this one yesterday at a small pond in Fairfax County, however, it was perched on top of some vegetation several inches above the water.
I have no idea why it was there, though there were plenty of dragonflies buzzing around that would occasionally perch on the same type of vegetation. Could it possibly be hoping to catch a dragonfly? I have included a photo of a male Blue Dasher dragonfly (Pachydiplax longipennis) from a previous day that was perched in the same area to give you an idea of the spider’s potential prey. I would think that a dragonfly’s excellent vision would allow it to spot the spider and avoid it—I can’t imagine that a dragonfly would deliberately choose to land on top of the spider, but who knows?
If you look closely at the first photo, you may also notice what appear to be several spider legs poking out from underneath the edge of the vegetation. Was there another spider there and if so, why? Nature is full of mysteries and intrigue, with lots of unanswered questions.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I recently photographed a fishing spider in our garage. Didn’t share it because the wall was disgustingly dirty. Your perch, on the other hand, is lovely. 🙂
As far as why it was there, fishing? 🙂
Normally fishing spiders run across the surface of the water when they detect prey, causing some people to call them “Jesus spiders.” This spider would have a hard time chasing anything from its perch above the water. 🙂
That’s a seriously big spider, Mike! I wouldn’t think he could take a dragonfly, but I wouldn’t want to tangle with him. It does look like there’s another one under there. Hmmm.
Tag-team action?
I think the fishing spiders we have here are a different variety. I don’t see many, don’t look either. Nice shot, I do hope it was at 600mm because the ones we have here are huge !
There are a number of different fishing spiders in my area, but this is the one that I see most often, though that is usually only once or twice a year. I was shooting with my 180mm macro, so I had some stand-off room. I would have been happy to get closer, but the ground was really marshy. I have already had a couple of close calls in that area when I discovered the ground was not as solid as I thought.
Very nice capture, Mike, on that green leaf. I wouldn’t be surprised that the owner of the legs peaking from underneath has something to do with his position.
Thanks, Ellen. Hmm, friend or foe? I could come up with scenarios for both cases. 🙂
LOL, as can I, Mike!
Very interesting photos Mike!
Fantastic photos, Mike! The fishing spider owning that leaf is an incredible shot, and those spider legs underneath are intriguing.
Everyone loves a mystery, though we will never know the story behind those spider legs. I must say, Jet, that I was quite surprised to see the spider there on the leaf, but I put all the questions aside at that moment and concentrated on getting a shot.
I’m forever curious by nature and its creatures!
Me too 🙂