One of the most commonly seen fishing spiders in Louisiana is the Dolomedes triton, or six-spotted fishing spider. As the name suggests, these spiders have six black markings on the belly of the abdomen region. The six-spotted fishing spider's body is brown, aside from 12 white spots on top of the abdomen and solid white stripes on the side of the abdomen and cephalothorax. Females carry egg sacs across water. After giving birth, females stay with the eggs until they hatch and the young are able to fend for themselves. Females are approximately 0.75 inches and larger than males, which grow up to 0.5 inches.
Also known as dark fishing spiders, Dolomedes tenebrosus are nicknamed after their dark appearance. Unlike other Dolomedes spiders, this species does not possess any bright markings but has black spots on its body and legs. Dolomedes tenebrosus is also one of the largest Dolomedes species. Female dark fishing spiders grow over 1 inch; males grow up to 0.5 inches. Dolomedes tenebrosus spiders are large enough to prey on small fish. These fishing spiders spend a good portion of their time away from water, usually in woodland environments. Also Dolomedes tenebrosus retreat to a non-aquatic location for hibernating in the winter.
Found throughout northern Louisiana, Dolomedes scriptus are one of the largest fishing spiders in the Pelican State. These spiders bear a strong resemblance to Dolomedes tenebrosus in terms of male and female size. Females grow up to 1 inch and are usually twice the size of males. While the majority of this spider's skin is dark brown and black, Dolomedes scriptus has a white W-shaped marking on its abdomen that distinguishes it from other Dolomedes spiders. The spider's markings also include black areas on the abdomen.
Two more water-dwelling Dolomedes species are known to live in Louisiana: Dolomedes vittatus and Dolomedes striatus. The primary difference between these two spiders is their habitat: Dolomedes vittatus lives in bogs and marshes, while Dolomedes striatus are primarily seen in streams and small ponds. The Dolomedes vittatus has white stripes surrounding its cephalothorax and abdomen, but the remainder of its body is brown. Also Dolomedes vittatus is capable of living in marine water.