I think this is probably the largest wild spider I've ever seen. It was carrying an egg case.Dolomedes aquaticus.Note for scale: I have small hands. My wedding ring (pictured) is about 18-19mm diameter.
labbradolci (Save the Monarchs, Plant Milkweed))
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view large she is a real beauty :)Dark fishing spiderOrder: AraneaeFamily: PisauridaeGenus and species: Dolomedes tenebrosus HentzFemale D. tenebrosos have a bodies (cephalothorax and abdomen) that reache about 1 long. When outstretched legs are included in the measurements, the animal can measure over 3 long. This young lady was found in Connecticut. They are wandering spiders, stalking their prey rather than snaring it in webs. Spiders of the family Pisauridae are often called nursery-web spiders. Shortly before the eggs hatch, the mother attaches the sac to vegetation, builds a nursery web around it, and stands guard nearby. The young live in the nursery web for some time after hatching This information was adapted from "Dark fishing spider" by Jeffrey K. Barnes and the full article can be found by following the link: www.uark.edu/ua/arthmuse//dolomede.html