Dolomedes striatus
This record describes Dolomedes striatus (species). Recorded family: Dolomedidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Compared to D. triton , the abdominal white bands of D. striatus are more dorsal, more distinct, and are solid colored, and the abdominal dark median band is darker at the edge adjacent to the white bands. This species and D. triton appear to have striped femurs. While all other species have banded femurs. ~ Lynette 10/15/11 Epigynum: Palp: Ventral aspect/Lateral aspect Also has a less common patterning variant ( fulviatronotatus pattern) - see examples here and here .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Dolomedidae (Fishing Spiders)
- Genus
- Dolomedes (Fishing Spiders)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Glaciated regions of the northeastern United States and Canada north of 40 degrees latitude to Labrador, and west to Illinois and western Ontario.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dolomedes striatus Giebel, 1869 Latin: "grooved", from stria- "furrow, channel or groove"
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Dolomedes striatus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.
Ecological role of the group
Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.
Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Dolomedes striatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Lynette Elliott , cheins , Chuck Entz , Mandy Howe , Nathaniel Green , chuuuuung
Frequently Asked Questions About Dolomedes striatus
What is Dolomedes striatus?
Dolomedes striatus is a species in the family Dolomedidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Dolomedes striatus?
Compared to D. triton , the abdominal white bands of D. striatus are more dorsal, more distinct, and are solid colored, and the abdominal dark median band is darker at the edge adjacent to the white bands. This species and D. triton appear to have striped femurs. While all other species have banded femurs. ~ Lynette 10/15/11 Epigynum: Palp: Ventral aspect/Lateral aspect
Where is Dolomedes striatus found?
Range: Glaciated regions of the northeastern United States and Canada north of 40 degrees latitude to Labrador, and west to Illinois and western Ontario.