About Dolomedes tenebrosus Hentz, 1844
For Dolomedes tenebrosus Hentz, 1844, female body length (excluding legs) ranges from 15 to 26 millimetres (0.59 to 1.02 inches), while male body length (excluding legs) ranges from 7 to 13 millimetres (0.28 to 0.51 inches). Total leg span ranges from 50 to 90 millimetres (2.0 to 3.5 inches). This spider ranges in colour from pale to dark brown, has several chevron-shaped markings, and has lighter stripes along its legs. It is similar in appearance to Dolomedes scriptus. Its legs have banding: brown or black annulations on the femora, and reddish-brown or black annulations on the tibia. During mating, females of this species practice sexual cannibalism on males. Research indicates that when males allow themselves to be consumed by females, this self-sacrifice increases the survival chance of the resulting offspring. This spider inhabits wooded areas and lives on trees. It commonly enters human homes located in wooded regions.
