Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Nurseryweb spider

Photo by Steve Reekie

Photo by Steve Reekie

Dolomedes minor (Koch)


Order: Araneae
Family: Pisauridae

Size range

  • Medium to large–sized spider. Body length about 18 mm

Distribution

  • Widespread in New Zealand, often in open scrubby areas

Life History

  • Builds a web on shrubs to protect its young
  • The female sits on the web to guard the nursery at night
  • During the day she stays nearby until the young disperse
  • Catches prey on the run

Additional images