At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Raft spider (Dolomedes species) is perhaps the biggest arachnid in the United Kingdom. Like different arachnids, they chase by running along the edge of the water and can move inside and out to stay away from predators. Adult spiders prefer living away from water and are more likely to be found near the ground. Two subspecies of raft spiders are found in Britain, the raft spider (Dolomedes fimbriatus) and the fen raft spider (Dolomedes plantarius).
Here are some of the most interesting facts about the raft spider (Dolomedes species) for your perusal. For more information on anthropods found in our wildlife, you may also look at yellow sac spider facts and Brazilian wandering spider facts.
Raft spider (Dolomedes Fimbriatus) is a type of spider species that is semi-aquatic and a dark brown colored member of the family pisauridae like the fen raft spider (Dolomedes plantarius).
Spiders are 8-legged creatures, a class of arthropods that resembles characteristics of scorpions, parasites, and ticks. They belong to the class Arachnida and have a large body, which is quite huge compared to other spider species.
The conservation status of this species of spiders has not been evaluated by IUCN. As a result, there are no accurate numbers available regarding their population in the wildlife with any registered charity. Hence, their conservation status is not of any concern at present. But they are protected under the fifth Schedule of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Raft spider is a huge spider that lives around the edge of lakes and ditches, and on wet heaths and lowlands. This spider species has distinct features in the body that allow it to move along easily even on the surface of water just like water spiders.
Raft spiders are semi-aquatic creatures occupying freshwater wetlands, explicitly wet heaths and marshes. Juveniles are found in abundance in regions with thick vegetation encompassing wetland regions.
You can spot the brown colored raft spider living along with other members of the same species on the surface near water bodies. They prefer to live near water surface, as it allows them to catch their prey more easily.
A raft spider can live from one to three years in the wildlife. Their conservation has been ensured under the fifth Schedule of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Water is fundamental for the growth of the raft spider, hence the breeding process takes place near such regions only. After the mating process has been completed, the female fen raft spider makes an egg sack and lays a few hundred eggs into it. The female hauls the sack around with her for around three weeks for the conservation of the eggs.
As per the records, the population of fen raft spider (Dolomedes plantarius) and raft spider (Dolomedes fimbriatus) is listed under the least concern category in terms of conservation with every registered charity. Yet, for the sake of their conservation, the fifth Schedule of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 has been listed.
Raft spiders is a stout, hefty arthropod, for the most part, brown colored in appearance with a particular pale stripe running from the head each side of its fat, stogie formed body. Body tone, stripe tone, and stripe width are for the most part amazing factors in this species. These spiders have eight legs that help it float on the water.
A fen raft spider is cute as people find this creature not that harmful. However, fen raft spider is poisonous and should be handled with care. The hairy legs and body render it a menacing appearance.
A fen raft spider communicates with other spiders through body movements and other visual cues. Raft spiders are known to generate a vibration for the purpose of communication.
The fen raft spider species is about 70 times smaller than the raft spider. Grown-up raft spiders are huge, with body measuring 0.87 in (2.2 cm) and the leg span being 2.8 in (7.1 cm). As with most insects, the male is smaller in size as compared to females.
A semi aquatic (Dolomedes plantarius) is a slow-moving spider that likes to stay idle at a position near the surface of the water. Their exact speed in the wildlife is not known.
A fen raft spider usually weighs quite less. No concrete information is available regarding their body weight.
Male raft spiders are called males, whilst female raft spiders are called females.
A baby raft spider is called a spiderling.
Raft spiders are ruthless and stay near the water source where they can easily get their prey. They feed on amphibian spineless creatures, worms, dragonfly hatchlings, little fish, tadpoles and other sea insects.
Yes, a fen raft spider is poisonous and can have a painful impact on a human if it bites. However, the (Dolomedes plantarius) species is not considered dangerous as their bites do not lead to death in humans and only causes minor pain and swelling.
Raft spiders can make incredible pets. They are, in general, not difficult to handle on and are intriguing to watch.
Raft spiders build silk strings using their web to build or form a network. They secure the string to an object, normally a branch, an edge of a room, a door jamb or any place and then start constructing its web.
Essential oils: peppermint oil is a famous solution for disposing of insects. Robust aromas are incredible arachnid anti-agents. Replacing the oil that you use routinely can assist with guaranteeing that the cure keeps on being viable.
Vinegar: vinegar is known to ward arachnids off because they detest it more than felines disdain a hot shower. The smell of any sort of vinegar will creep them out. If you see an insect, shower it on the bug. Be mindful to stay away from stained surfaces as vinegar can be distasteful.
Ordinary cleaning: clean your home routinely. This doesn't permit an insect to fabricate a web. Tidying consistently fends the spider networks off.
Plant a eucalyptus tree in the nursery: Eucalyptus tree has a solid aroma and repulses arachnids.
Citrus: Arachnids disdain all citrus fragrances, so rub citrus strip along evading sheets, window ledges, and shelves. Utilize lemon-scented cleaners and furniture cleaner, and light citronella candles both inside and outside of your home.
Switch off outside lights: Turn off the external lights to keep bugs from drawing close to the house. Arachnids enter your home looking for food. These bugs are most regularly drawn to lights.
Cedar: Another fragrance that Arachnids are said to despise is cedar. Pulling a cedar plant into your house isn't by and largely useful, in any case.
Garlic: Garlic is a strong antioxidant that can be used to keep these predators at bay. Pour some on your shower every night but make sure the aroma leaves the next day.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these six eyed sand spider facts and wolf spider facts for kids.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable raft spider coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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