Dolomedes striatus
Giebel, 1869
Dolomedes striatus is a fishing spider in the Dolomedidae, native to North America. First recorded in Alberta and Saskatchewan in 1985, extending its previously known western range from Ontario. Like other Dolomedes , it is likely associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic , though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dolomedes striatus: //ˌdɒləˈmiːdiːz straɪˈeɪtəs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other North American Dolomedes by distribution and potentially subtle pattern differences, though specific diagnostic features are not well documented in available sources. The name "striatus" suggests striped patterning, but confirmation requires examination of or specialized taxonomic literature.
Images
Habitat
Collected from pitfall traps in natural areas, suggesting ground-dwelling or semi-terrestrial habits. The Wagner Natural Area collection site near Edmonton, Alberta, is a 162-hectare natural area, though specific microhabitat preferences within this site were not detailed.
Distribution
Canada and United States. Western range extends to Alberta and Saskatchewan; previously known western limit was the Lake Nipigon to Thunder Bay area of Ontario. GBIF records indicate presence in Alberta, Manitoba, and broader North American distribution.
Seasonality
Collected during summer (July-August 1985 in Alberta).
Similar Taxa
- Dolomedes tritonSympatric in Alberta; both collected together in Wagner Natural Area pitfall traps. D. triton is better studied and differs in having six distinct white spots on the (though counts vary) and well-documented aquatic hunting .
More Details
Taxonomic Note
placement has varied between Pisauridae and Dolomedidae across sources. NCBI and Catalogue of Life place it in Dolomedidae; some older sources use Pisauridae. The 1985 Canadian Entomologist record used Pisauridae, reflecting historical classification.
Data Limitations
Most available information pertains to geographic distribution rather than . The has been substantially less studied than such as D. triton and D. tenebrosus.