Meet the extraordinary diving bell spider, also known as the water spider (Argyroneta aquatica). Unlike its arachnid relatives, this unique spider lives almost entirely underwater, making it the only spider species to do so. Found in Europe, Central and Northern Asia, with a distinct subspecies in Japan, the diving bell spider thrives in aquatic environments, demonstrating a remarkable adaptation to its underwater lifestyle.
To overcome the challenge of needing air to breathe, the diving bell spider cleverly weaves a web between underwater plants, creating a diving bell. This silk structure traps air from the surface of the water, creating a bubble that the spider uses as its underwater shelter. The bubble, expanded to fit the spider, is regularly refreshed, and the spider takes a silvery bubble of water with it.
Females build large chambers to serve as nursing chambers for their young, demonstrating a fascinating aspect of their aquatic life. Interestingly, in a deviation from typical spider dynamics, male diving bell spiders are larger and heavier than their female counterparts. Research suggests that this size difference is linked to males’ need for greater mobility underwater.
In the strange world of the Diving Bell Spider, romance takes an unexpected turn. A 2003 study found that larger males, despite the risks, sometimes practice reverse sexual cannibalism by consuming females. Research also showed that larger males and females display aggression towards smaller males.
Discover the secrets of the diving bell spider’s underwater existence, from its intricate web-building to the intricate dynamics of size and aggression in its mating rituals.