Raft spider
The raft spider is closely related to the nursery spider and has a similar life cycle, guarding its eggs until they hatch.
It gets its name from its normal habitat, near water where it can skate on the surface – though with slightly less control than a pond skater. The raft spider can also live underwater for up to about 20 minutes. It can even catch underwater prey including small fish as well as thirsty flies and other surface insects.
Dolomedes fimbriatus
Photo credit: Olly Frampton
