Water Spider (Megadolomedes australianus) (11/12)

Araneae: Pisauridae

Megadolomedes australianus  

Like most spiders, the Nursery Spider has eight eyes, the configuration being two rows of four with the upper row larger.

This photo has been rotated through ninety degrees to give a more normal perspective, with the result that the reflection in the spider's eyes shows the river and horizon appearing almost vertical and the dark horizontal object is yours truly wading in the river.

Whilst photographing the male this closely, I was crouching in the river, which was less than knee deep at this spot, well aware that centimetres above my head the female was watching from her vantage point.

I'm pleased to say that she stayed there. Nursery Spider bites are not known to be dangerous to humans, just a bit painful.