What is the life cycle of fishing spiders?

Fishing spiders, also known as Dolomedes, belong to the family of Pisauridae. They are often found near water bodies, hunting for prey. The life cycle of fishing spiders consists of four stages:

1. Egg Sac

Fishing spiders lay their eggs in a silken sac, which is usually attached to vegetation near water. Each sac can contain several hundred eggs, which are guarded by the female until they hatch.

2. Spiderling

After hatching, the spiderlings go through several molts as they grow and develop. During this stage, they feed on small aquatic insects and other invertebrates.

3. Adult

Once the spiderlings reach adulthood, they begin to hunt for larger prey such as fish, tadpoles, and insects. Fishing spiders have excellent vision and can detect movement from a long distance.

4. Mating

Adult fishing spiders mate in the summer. The male deposits his sperm into the female's epigynum, which is located on her underside.

The female then lays another egg sac, and the life cycle repeats itself.

Fishing spiders typically have a lifespan of one to two years, although some species can live for up to three years.