Zoology Collection - Wharf Spider or Giant Fishing Spider

Charlotte’s Dockside Cousin

Reaching a diameter of five to six centimeters, Canada’s largest spider (Dolomedes scriptus) is often found on the underside of wharves. It hunts live prey, including insects – even some small fish – by sensing vibrations in the surface tension of the water. Wharf Spiders are not web spinners so females actually carry their egg sacs with them. Like the beloved Barn Spider in E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, Wharf Spiders belong to the Order Arenae.