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Spider

Photo by auntnance123
Published on Project Noah
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9.17204, -83.7412

Field Notes

Description:

2 inches in diameter overall

Habitat:

spotted on foot bridge leading to waterfall

Notes:

This spider was very fast, disappearing under the boards in a flash at the slightest vibration. I would reappear just as quickly.

Species ID Suggestions

Giant Water Spider

Megadolomedes australianus

Reference Link
ColinMacleod
1

Comments (5)
auntnance123
Though there are similarities, I'm still not sure. Most all water and fishing spiders have the distinct white lines down the body.
ColinMacleod
I find spiders like these fascinating, but they still give me the heebie-jeebies!
LivanEscudero
Does looks like a huntsman. However it also looks a lot like a Giant Water Spider (Megadolomedes australianus). http://minibeastwildlife.blogspot.com/ (scroll down about half way) It is interesting that the caption on the link says it prefers running water... given the area of your spotting. But i don't know if this apecies or other Magadolomedes occur in Costa Rica.
Gordon Dietzman
This may be a fishing spider (Dolomedes). The fact that it was near water strengthens my conclusion. Take a look at http://bugguide.net/node/view/1985/bgimage and see what you think. Especially look at tenebrosus, the dark fishing spider.
auntnance123
I suspect it may be a huntsman, but am having no luck with a match.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Path of the Tapir Biological Corridor
Photographed
PublishedFebruary 25, 2012

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