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Fen raft spider, Dolomedes fimbriatus

Discussion

11 replies
Posted by Daniel Read on June 3, 2008 at 7:55 AM
This is one from last summer, whilst going for a walk in the New Forest. For someone who is keen on spiders this was quite an exciting find as they aren't that common. These spiders often sit with their forelegs touching the surface of the water, so that they can detect vibrations of insects that have fallen onto the surface and rush out and catch them. They have even been known to catch tadpoles and small fish! I managed to get a few decent shots of this individual, but when I moved too close it dived underwater!

Cheers,

Dan.

Nikon d50
Sigma 105mm Macro
1/100s
f/4.0
ISO800
Posted by Alan Woolnough on June 3, 2008 at 8:07 AM
Very smart-looking spider Dan :cool:

Fine result :toast:

Alan
Posted by Nigel Blake on June 3, 2008 at 9:41 AM
Yes a smart spider indeed, I've only ever seen a few, albeit very briefly, but they all scarpered off sharply so I think you've done well to get this shot! :toast:
Posted by Robert Lawrence on June 3, 2008 at 9:53 AM
Very informative image Dan.
Posted by Greg Hitchcock on June 3, 2008 at 11:01 AM
You did well to get this close, but the shot looks soft on my screen. A great spider to photograph.

Greg
Posted by Dave Courtenay on June 3, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Good looking spider-would have liked abit more DOF

Dave :toast:
Posted by jack chapman on June 3, 2008 at 11:36 AM
very nice shot indeed, saw one of these on the weekend for the first time
Posted by Matt Cole on June 3, 2008 at 12:16 PM
that's a nice looking spider and not one I've seen before. Nice work Dan.

Matt
Posted by Daniel Read on June 3, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Thanks for the comments everyone.

I agree it is a bit soft, I think that may be due to the slow shutter speed, and the fact that I was leaning over the pool whilst holding onto a tree with the other hand! I'm definitely planning on going back this year to see if I can get some better shots :smile:

Cheers,

Dan.
Posted by Major Gilbert on June 3, 2008 at 4:07 PM
You have done well Daniel. I went to Lopham fen two years ago and spent rather a long time looking to no avail.That is supposed to be one of its strong holds so you are pretty fortunate. :toast:

Major.
Posted by John Robinson on June 3, 2008 at 6:07 PM
Great beasts they are too
.Remember doing them on the Dorset heath pools so long ago.
JohnR
Posted by Paul Inglis on June 5, 2008 at 6:07 AM
Hi Dan,

Lovely capture of a rarity!
:toast: :toast: :toast: