What structure do female *Dolomedes* spiders utilize to safeguard their egg sac and hatchlings?
Answer
A nursery web formed by tying leaves together near the hatching site
Female fishing spiders demonstrate strong maternal care for their progeny, a behavior that contrasts with many solitary arachnids. After securing her egg sac, the female will often construct a specialized structure referred to as a 'nursery web.' This structure is created by skillfully manipulating and tying leaves together, forming a small, sheltered enclosure. The mother remains close by, guarding this nursery web vigilantly for approximately one week following the hatching of the spiderlings, ensuring their initial vulnerable moments are protected from predators.

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