Northern Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus variolus) found in fall maple leaves.
This is a Six-spotted Fishing Spider (Dolomedes triton) and it has spun a short thread of silk. They are very well adapted to aquatic life, spending almost all its time on the water or in the partially submerged vegetation. In spite of their large size (up to 3/4 inch in length), these spiders can float on the surface tension, as well as retreat underwater if danger threatens. They hunt insects, tadpoles and small fish. They are also known as: Fishing Spider, Raft Spider, Dock Spiders, Wharf Spider, or Nursery Web Spider.
