The frequent claims that the population of Dolomedes plantarius is declining in numbers in Europe due to loss of habitat is not supported by evidence. For many years, information on this species was unreliable due to taxonomic confusion with D. fimbriatus and because adults of both species are identical and cannot be separated in the field unless collected for examination. Greater interest in D. plantarius in recent years has revealed new records from many European countries, though data are still inadequate for a reliable assessment of its distribution and status. Available information on its behaviour, habitat and ecology in Europe is summarized. The conservation problems of D. plantarius at Redgrave and Lopham Fen, England, are discussed in relation to its status elsewhere.