Is this normal for a spider? [PICS]

CharlieJ · #1 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 12:51 AM

While out exploring this weekend, my son and I ran across this spider. It was underneath a leaf, completely UNDER water in an abandoned kiddie pool. Isn't that odd? If it was there for food, it had a bounty available. There were HUNDREDS of tadpoles in the pool water.
I think it's a rabid wolf spider, but I know nada about spiders. Anyway, the pics turned out pretty cool -- including the one with a small beetle and tadpole.

My favorite is the first pic. What do YOU think?

HisssssyFit · #2 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 12:53 AM

Those are great pics, truly can't answer though as to whether or not its normal

Fenderplayer108 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 01:13 AM

Great pictures to say the least. Although I have seen wolf spiders do alot of things, this isn't one of them LOL.

Great pictures.

Ryan

blackegg · #4 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 02:55 AM

I feel all queasy now

I feel about spiders the same most non herp people feel about snakes. Great photos though.

Wrecka · #5 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 03:12 AM

after reading alot of spider threads on here
it seems like most herp people, even the hardcore herp people have a fear of either spiders or scorpions or both lol

*checks beside both*

CharlieJ · #6 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 11:53 AM

THANKS for the compliments on the photos. I'm really just starting to shoot more seriously lately. The first photo was shot on macro; 1/125 at around F4. ISO was on Auto, but I suspect it ended up around ISO200. Shot with a Nikon E5700 at about 2" from the spider/water.

I can definitely identify with the spider heebee-jeebees. I picked up the leaf to get a shot of a tadpole that had almost morphed into a tiny frog. The spider was clinging to the underside, completely under water. I almost pee'd my pants when I realize it was about 1/2" from my thumb. Whoa!

I gently laid the leaf back down. A few minutes later, the spider appeared on the side (second & third shots), and then crept towards the top of the leaf (first shot). Pretty neat experience!

BTW, we also saw box turtles, some small frogs and lots of grasshoppers for Noah (6yo) to chase around.

It was a great afternoon!

Reptscue · #7 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 06:38 PM

Definately not a Rabid Wolf Spider/Rabidosa rabida http://www.fcps.edu/StratfordLanding...rabidwolf2.jpg.
This one is a common Fishing Spider/Dolomedes tenebrosus http://spiders.entomology.wisc.edu/P...enebrosus.html. A better look at the abdomen would better tell.

The shots you got were very good!

VoodooChile · #8 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 07:26 PM

Yeah those were terrific..You should enter it for MOTM

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