| The semi-aquatic fishing or "raft"
spiders of Europe and North America are
quite large. The females can reach a body
length of 30mm (over 1 inch). They hunt on
the surface of still or slow-moving fresh
water. They row themselves across the
surface much like
pond
skaters, supported by the surface
tension, and can also sail across on the
wind.
Their legs are higly sensitive to
vibrations sent out by floating insects,
especially those in distress. The spider
will rapidly approach the prey, inject it
with venom, then drag the unfortunate to
shore, where it can be consumed without
danger from other (underwater) predators.
They have also been known to dangle a leg
under the water surface in order to attract
small fish, which they then capture by
making a sudden plunge, holding the fish in
the powerful legs while subduing it with
venom. Fish are also dragged bodily to
bankside to be consumed.
One species of fishing spider in South
America actually constructs funnel-shaped
webs between stones at the water's edge,
then drives tadpoles into the funnel trap
where they can be eaten. |
