Dolomedes facetus
Clever Fishing Spider Identification in Australia
Medium to large Australian fishing spider found around creeks, streams, freshwater lakes and waterside vegetation.
Usually low riskClever fishing spiders are Australian water-edge hunters best checked when a long-legged brown spider is seen on the surface of water, on aquatic plants, or close to freshwater. They overlap with the broader fishing spider group, but the water-running behaviour, northern and coastal range clues, and strong waterside association make them a useful species-level comparison.
Quick identification
- Long-legged brown or grey patterned spider near freshwater
- Often seen on the water surface or aquatic vegetation
- Can run across water and may make underwater retreats with air bubbles
- Most likely around streams, creeks, lakes, ponds and damp waterside vegetation
What to check next
Check the setting first: a long-legged spider on water, reeds or creekside plants is a stronger clue than colour alone. Compare with the broader fishing spider page, nursery web spiders, wolf spiders and huntsman spiders if it was away from water.
When to seek medical help
This spider is not usually considered dangerous. Avoid handling it and seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.
Where it is usually seen
Streams, creeks, freshwater lakes, ponds, aquatic vegetation, waterside reeds, pool edges and damp northern or coastal habitats around Australia.