Canada's largest spider is a fearsome predator that grows to 9 cm and lives in Ontario

If you're planning a trip to Ontario's cottage country this summer, chances are you'll encounter a dock spider, especially if you're staying at a lakeside property or boating. This type of spider is a member of the Dolomedes family, known as recluse spiders. Large and commonly known as fishing spiders, boat spiders or dock spiders. Almost all species in this category are semi-aquatic and are able to walk on water due to their long legs.

Female dock spiders can grow to be as large as an adult human's hand (up to 9 cm) and almost twice the size of a male spider. As the name suggests, this species is mostly found on docks, boats, and even rocks during mating season. will be You can also see these scary-looking spiders near rivers, streams, ponds, marshes, and reservoirs. Unlike other species, these spiders do not spin webs to catch their prey. Instead, they hang on the water and place their front legs on the water surface to feel the vibrations of the prey.

When they spot moving prey, which may include water bugs, tadpoles, and small fish, they run to the surface to attack and inject their venom.

Dock spiders can be identified by their two rows of eyes, gray-brown color, eight legs, and black and brown markings on their abdomens.

Although these spiders are usually not aggressive towards humans and run away if approached, if they feel threatened or panicked they may bite you, although these situations are very rare. This mostly happens when you sit on them, put your foot on them, or get them caught in your clothes.

If you see a dock spider, it's best to leave it alone and not try to pick it up, as this will only increase the chance of you getting bitten.

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