dolomedes spp.

[nzcookie]

hey all!!
im looking at getting my hands on a dolomedes soon, any tips on how much space they need? lifespan? do the burrow at all etc?
thanks

 

[jecraque]

Which one? I've never had any that burrow; they typically do well with a lot of humidity. I've kept D. tenebrosus and D.albineus in arboreal setups with water instead of substrate at the bottom and a rock to rest on. D. triton I've kept in a fishtank with minnows but they seem to be the most aquatic of the ones I have locally, and it was a huge pain to spider-proof an aquarium lid. I don't know about any you'd have in NZ, though.

 

[nzcookie]

Which one? I've never had any that burrow; they typically do well with a lot of humidity. I've kept D. tenebrosus and D.albineus in arboreal setups with water instead of substrate at the bottom and a rock to rest on. D. triton I've kept in a fishtank with minnows but they seem to be the most aquatic of the ones I have locally, and it was a huge pain to spider-proof an aquarium lid. I don't know about any you'd have in NZ, though.

we have two in new zealand, both endemic i think? D.minor and D.aquaticus. i was just wondering space wise really cause id imagine theyd love plenty of space since they are such good runners!! and how long do they live? are they seasonal? thanks for your post!!

 

[zonbonzovi]

I, of course, haven't kept those species but have kept 4 others and all did well with damp, arboreal setups as jecraque noted. Space wasn't an issue as long as there was room to hunt/molt, etc. They will utilize larger areas and do make great display animals if you wanted to go that route. I've never had an adult live more than around 6-9 months after the last molt but if you get a gravid female and have access to tiny feeders you can always keep the lineage going. I have a soft spot for this genus so please do post some photos if you get some!

 

[catfishrod69]

Ive kept tenebrosus, albineus, and triton. the tenebrosus i kept semi arboreal, with somewhat moist substrate, and a large water dish. Plenty of places to climb. The albineus i kept more arboreal. The triton i kept semi arboreal, but with water instead of substrate, and a rock to climb on as mentioned before. I dont think there is any species that burrow, but dont quote me.

 

[Ciphor]

I, of course, haven't kept those species but have kept 4 others and all did well with damp, arboreal setups as jecraque noted. Space wasn't an issue as long as there was room to hunt/molt, etc. They will utilize larger areas and do make great display animals if you wanted to go that route. I've never had an adult live more than around 6-9 months after the last molt but if you get a gravid female and have access to tiny feeders you can always keep the lineage going. I have a soft spot for this genus so please do post some photos if you get some!

I stretched my lady out 11 months (post maturity) even with her laying 2 infertile sacs. Its all about that once a month feeding regiment with lots of water! I think if she hadn't laid dud sacs I might have got her over 13 months. Have only raised one fishing spider though, she might have just been very enduring. I got a H. venatoria with fertile sac right now though. Can't wait to experiment with these guys lifespans.

 

[nzcookie]

I, of course, haven't kept those species but have kept 4 others and all did well with damp, arboreal setups as jecraque noted. Space wasn't an issue as long as there was room to hunt/molt, etc. They will utilize larger areas and do make great display animals if you wanted to go that route. I've never had an adult live more than around 6-9 months after the last molt but if you get a gravid female and have access to tiny feeders you can always keep the lineage going. I have a soft spot for this genus so please do post some photos if you get some!

i was thinking of using them as a display animal, thanks for post!! getting a good idea of what to aim for now ah so theyre are seasonal :/ was afraid they would be!! thanks again for your input!! much appreciated!

---------- Post added 03-15-2013 at 10:01 AM ----------

Ive kept tenebrosus, albineus, and triton. the tenebrosus i kept semi arboreal, with somewhat moist substrate, and a large water dish. Plenty of places to climb. The albineus i kept more arboreal. The triton i kept semi arboreal, but with water instead of substrate, and a rock to climb on as mentioned before. I dont think there is any species that burrow, but dont quote me.

thanks!! really gaining a clear picture of what works!! wouldve been silly do get one and have it not last cause of un suitable conditions

---------- Post added 03-15-2013 at 10:09 AM ----------

I stretched my lady out 11 months (post maturity) even with her laying 2 infertile sacs. Its all about that once a month feeding regiment with lots of water! I think if she hadn't laid dud sacs I might have got her over 13 months. Have only raised one fishing spider though, she might have just been very enduring. I got a H. venatoria with fertile sac right now though. Can't wait to experiment with these guys lifespans.

oh wow!! thats quite a long time would you say the feeding schedule and growth rate affected her lifespan??