What could it have been?

[Scorp guy]

Hi,

I just wanted to ask, i saw a spider quite a while back, and thought someone could give me a scientific name for it.

I'll go into detail later, but heres the story.

I'm in northern california, US. I've found large spiders in my pool, bathroom, etc. a few times....but these spiders were huge. Looked more like a tarantula, or LARGE wolf spider.

Anyways, about 2-3 years ago, i found one in my pool. this guy was BIG. it was about 3-4" and had a tiny abdomen (prbably from death). It was mostly brown in color, and had small brown to grey-ish marks on the feet. anybody know what it was? maybe a large wolf spider? i apoligize for the sletchy description and lak of pictures....the darn thing dissapeared after me and my freind found it. can anyone link me to what it was?

Thanks in advance,

Spencer

 

[ShadowBlade]

Um.. too hard to tell from that description.. But that size, perhaps Fishing spiders (Dolomedes)?

Look them up, see if any ring a bell.

 

[Scorp guy]

Hi,

I serached google image, and i believe that's what i saw :? Are thye even in california? are they dangerous? i'll try to get a live specimen this time, and have it properly I.D.'d.

 

[orcrist]

Not dangerous, no, although some bites can cause little necrotic lesions (same venom type as loloxceles or however you spell it, but not as powerful). Bites hurt, anyway, but not dangerous.

There are members of the genus pretty much spanning the continent, reaching the sizes you describe... a species that lives in the wetlands of the southeast hits 6-7" in legspan. (I wanna get one )