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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

Comments (5)

Though there are similarities, I'm still not sure. Most all water and fishing spiders have the distinct white lines down the body.
I find spiders like these fascinating, but they still give me the heebie-jeebies!
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.
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.
I suspect it may be a huntsman, but am having no luck with a match.
Photographed
PublishedFebruary 25, 2012

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