Arachnids | Arachnida

Arachnids | Arachnida

Description
Description

Arachnids, classified under the class Arachnida, are a diverse group of joint-legged invertebrates that include spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites. Distinguished by having eight legs and no antennae, arachnids are found in almost every habitat on Earth, from deserts to rainforests, showcasing a remarkable adaptive evolution over millions of years. Originating over 430 million years ago, they have since evolved into more than 100,000 known species. Arachnids play a critical role in ecosystems as predators, controlling pest populations, and as vectors for some diseases, influencing the health of both ecosystems and human populations.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Arachnids are fascinating creatures with a unique anatomy. They possess eight legs, setting them apart from insects, which have six. Their bodies are divided into two main segments: the cephalothorax, which fuses the head and thorax, and the abdomen. Many arachnids, like spiders, have silk-producing glands and fangs or pincers for hunting. They lack antennae but have multiple eyes, varying in number and arrangement across species. Movement is coordinated and agile, allowing for precise hunting and navigation. While they don't produce sounds for communication like humans, some vibrate their bodies or produce chemical signals to interact with their environment and each other. Their sensory world is rich, often dominated by touch and chemical perception.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Throughout history, humans and arachnids have shared a complex relationship marked by fascination and fear. In many cultures, spiders symbolize creativity and patience, often revered in folklore and mythology. Popular culture amplifies this intrigue, with characters like Spider-Man drawing inspiration from arachnid abilities. Conversely, arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, is widespread.

Despite mixed feelings, humans recognize arachnids' ecological role in controlling pest populations. Conservation efforts focus on protecting endangered species and habitats, recognizing that arachnids are essential to biodiversity. Education and research continue to shift perceptions, highlighting the importance of these often-misunderstood creatures in our world.

Common Questions
Common Questions
How many legs do arachnids have?

Arachnids have 8 legs, 2 main body segments, no wings or antennae, and are not able to chew. In some species arachnids can grow extra appendages that can look like extra legs. They often get confused with insects, but insects only have 6 legs.

What do arachnids eat?

Most species of arachnids can only eat food in a liquid form and not in solids. They do so by squirting digestive chemicals into their prey and then sucking out the body juices. Arachnids typically eat insects and other invertebrates. Mites are the only arachnids who consume a wider variety of food like fungus, plants, dead animals, bacteria, and other invertebrates.

How are arachnids different from insects?

Arachnids have 8 legs while insects have 6. Arachnid bodies are divided into 2 parts, the cephalothorax and abdomen and insect bodies are divided into 3, the head, thorax, and abdomen. Arachnids do not have an antennae nor wings, while all insects have antennae and some also have wings. Insects belong to the Insect class and arachnids to the Arachnida class.

Animals

* Under Development *

.55”-.67” | 1.4-1.7 cm
.51”-.63” | 1.3-1.6 cm
3.1”-3.9” | 7.9-9.9 cm
.02-.17 oz | .5-5 g
3-8 years
Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion
1.700
1.600
9.900
0.005
8.00
900
GUIDE
3D
Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion
.16”-.22” | .4-.55 cm
.39”-.51” | 1-1.3 cm
2.56”-3.15” | 6.5-8 cm
2 oz | 57 g
5-7 years
Arizona Bark Scorpion
0.550
1.300
8.000
0.057
7.00
10800
GUIDE
3D
Arizona Bark Scorpion
.14”-.24” | 3.5-6 mm (Male); .18”-.28” | 4.5-7 mm (Female)
.12”-.2” | 3-5 mm (Male); .16”-.24” | 4-6 mm (Female)
.95”-1.54” | 24-39 mm (Male); 1.22”-1.85” | 31-47 mm (Female)
1-2 years
Black House Spider
0.700
0.600
4.700
2.00
41600
GUIDE
3D
Black House Spider
.08”-.2” | 2-5 mm
.98”-2.56” | 25-65 mm
.39”-.91” | 10-23 mm
1-3 years
Bold Jumping Spider
0.500
6.500
2.300
3.00
28000
GUIDE
3D
Bold Jumping Spider
.03”-.04” | .7-1 mm
.04”-.07” | 1.1-1.7 mm
.17”-.24” | 4.2-6.2 mm
3-18 months
Brown Dog Tick
0.100
0.170
0.620
1.50
24000
GUIDE
3D
Brown Dog Tick
.09”-.16” | 2.2-4 mm
.08”-.16” | 2-4 mm
.83”-1.46” | 21-37 mm
2-4 years
Brown Recluse Spider
0.400
0.400
3.700
4.00
139000
GUIDE
3D
Brown Recluse Spider
.12”-.18” | 3-4.5 mm (Male); .28”-.37” | 7-9.5 mm (Female)
.12”-.16” | 3-4 mm (Male); .22”-.3” | 5.5-7.5 mm (Female)
.98”-1.38” | 25-35 mm (Male); 2.05”-2.72” | 52-69 mm (Female)
1-3 years
Brown Widow
0.950
0.750
6.900
3.00
61300
GUIDE
3D
Brown Widow
.43”-.67” | 11-17 mm
.35”-.55” | 9-14 mm
5.51”-8.07” | 14-20.5 cm
1-1.5 years
Camel Spider
1.700
1.400
20.500
1.50
247060
GUIDE
3D
Camel Spider
.013”-.016” | .34-.4 mm
.018-.02” | .45-.5 mm
.055”-.063” | 1.4-1.6 mm
2-3 weeks
Clover Mite
0.040
0.050
0.160
0.06
9400
GUIDE
3D
Clover Mite
.06”-.12” | 1.5-3 mm (Male); .14”-.22” | 3.5-5.5 mm (Female)
.05”-.1” | 1.2-2.5 mm (Male); .12”-2” | 3-5 mm (Female)
.33”-.67” | 8.5-17 mm (Male); .79”-1.3” | 20-33 mm (Female)
1-2 years
Common House Spider
0.550
0.500
3.300
2.00
30000
GUIDE
3D
Common House Spider
.28”-.43” | .7-1.1 cm
.43”-.71” | 1.1-1.8 cm
2.75”-4.33” | 7-11 cm
.035-.09 oz | 1-2.5 g
4-12 years
Deathstalker
1.100
1.800
11.000
0.003
12.00
17200
GUIDE
3D
Deathstalker
Deer Tick
129000
.01”-.024” | .2-.6 mm
.02”-.06” | .5-1.5 mm
.08”-.24” | 2-6 mm
2-3 years
Deer Tick
0.060
0.150
0.600
3.00
129000
GUIDE
3D
Deer Tick
.75”-1.02” | 1.9-2.6 cm
1.02”-1.46” | 2.6-3.7 cm
5.9”-7.9” | 15-20 cm
1-2 oz | 28-57 g
5-8 years
Emperor Scorpion
2.600
3.700
20.000
0.057
8.00
24400
GUIDE
3D
Emperor Scorpion
.07”-.17” | 1.8-4.3 mm
.08”-.18” | 2-4.5 mm
2.64”-6.18” | 6.7-15.7 cm
1 year
European Harvestman
0.430
0.450
15.700
1.00
4250
GUIDE
3D
European Harvestman
.39”-.67” | 1-1.7 cm
.75”-1.25” | 1.9-3.2 cm
3.94”-7.1” | 10-18 cm
.14-.25 oz | 4-7 g
7-10 years (wild); 15-20 years (captivity)
Giant Hairy Scorpion
1.700
3.200
18.000
0.007
20.00
4000
GUIDE
3D
Giant Hairy Scorpion
.35”-.55” | .9-1.4 cm
.47”-.71” | 1.2-1.8 cm
1.57”-2.36” | 4-6 cm (Body)
.035-.07 oz | 1-2 g
4-7 years
Giant Whip Scorpion
1.400
1.800
6.000
0.002
7.00
1800
GUIDE
3D
Giant Whip Scorpion
1.57”-2.24” | 4-5.7 cm
1.57”-2.24” | 4-5.7 cm
8.07”-11.42” | 20.5-29 cm
5-6.2 oz | .14-.18 kg
3-6 years (Male); 10-20 years (Female)
Goliath Birdeater
5.700
5.700
29.000
0.180
20.00
120000
GUIDE
3D
Goliath Birdeater
.12”-.14” | 3-3.5 mm (Male); .13”-.24” | 3.2-6 mm (Female)
.11”-.13” | 2.8-3.3 mm (Male); .12”-.22” | 3-5.5 mm (Female)
1.02”-1.18” | 26-30 mm (Male); 1.1”-2.05” | 28-52 mm (Female)
1 year
Green Lynx Spider
0.600
0.550
5.200
1.00
6950
GUIDE
3D
Green Lynx Spider
.03”-.04” | .8-1.1 mm
.07”-.09” | 1.7-2.3 mm
.22”-.31” | 5.5-8 mm
.66-2 years
Lone Star Tick
0.110
0.230
0.800
2.00
57500
GUIDE
3D
Lone Star Tick
1.8”-2.4” | 4.5-6 cm
5.1”-7.1” | 13-18 cm
11.8”-15.75” | 30-40 cm
2.2-10 lb | 1-4.5 kg
12-20 years
Mangrove Horseshoe Crab
6.000
18.000
40.000
4.500
20.00
230
GUIDE
3D
Mangrove Horseshoe Crab
.055”-.07” | 1.4-1.8 mm
.06”-.08” | 1.5-2 mm
.28”-.35” | 7-9 mm
1 year
Peacock Spider
0.180
0.200
0.900
1.00
43000
GUIDE
3D
Peacock Spider
.11”-.13” | 2.7-3.4 mm (Male); .17”-.22” | 4.2-5.6 mm (Female)
.14”-.19” | 3.6-4.7 mm (Male); .22”-.26” | 5.7-6.7 mm (Female)
1.57”-1.97” | 40-50 mm (Male); 2.48”-3.27” | 63-83 mm (Female)
1-2 years
Rabid Wolf Spider
0.560
0.670
8.300
2.00
13900
GUIDE
3D
Rabid Wolf Spider
.006”-.008” | .15-.2 mm
.008”-.01” | .2-.3 mm
.04”-.05” | 1-1.3 mm
2-4 weeks
Red Spider Mite
0.020
0.030
0.130
0.08
12000
GUIDE
3D
Red Spider Mite
.07”-.09” | 1.8-2.4 mm (Male); .19”-.24” | 4.7-6 mm (Female)
.06”-.09” | 1.6-2.2 mm (Male); .17”-.21” | 4.3-5.4 mm (Female)
.43”-.55” | 11-14 mm (Male); 1.1”-1.34” | 28-34 mm (Female)
1-3 years
Redback Spider
0.600
0.540
3.400
3.00
61300
GUIDE
3D
Redback Spider
.2”-.3” | .5-.75 cm
.28”-.39” | .7-1 cm
1.97”-2.75” | 5-7 cm
2 oz | 57 g
3-8 years
Striped Bark Scorpion
0.750
1.000
7.000
0.057
8.00
3800
GUIDE
3D
Striped Bark Scorpion
.26”-.53” | .65-1.35 cm
.47”-.98” | 1.2-2.5 cm
1”-2” | 2.5-5 cm (Body)
.009-.035 oz | .25-1 g
5-10 years
Tailless Whip Scorpion
1.350
2.500
5.000
0.001
10.00
26100
GUIDE
3D
Tailless Whip Scorpion
.22”-.33” | 5.5-8.3 mm (Male); .17”-.26” | 4.3-6.6 mm (Female)
.18”-.28” | 4.5-7 mm (Male); .14”-.22” | 3.5-5.5 mm (Female)
.94”-1.46” | 24-37 mm (Male); .75”-1.1” | 19-28 mm (Female)
1-2 years
Water Spider | Diving Bell Spider
0.830
0.700
3.700
2.00
28800
GUIDE
3D
Water Spider | Diving Bell Spider
.13”-.17” | 3.2-4.3 mm (Male); .25”-.33” | 6.3-8.4 mm (Female)
.13”-.18” | 3.4-4.5 mm (Male); .26”-.35” | 6.7-9 mm (Female)
.75”-1.02” | 19-26 mm (Male); 1.5”-1.97” | 38-50 mm (Female)
2-3 years
Western Black Widow
0.840
0.900
5.000
3.00
10000
GUIDE
3D
Western Black Widow
.06”-.1” | 1.5-2.6 mm (Male); .22”-.32” | 5.7-8.2 mm (Female)
.1”-.18” | 2.5-4.5 mm (Male); .39”-.55” | 10-14 mm (Female)
.55”-.94” | 14-24 mm (Male); 2”-2.91” | 51-74 mm (Female)
1-2 years
Yellow Garden Spider
0.820
1.400
7.400
2.00
34400
GUIDE
3D
Yellow Garden Spider
.05”-.08” | 1.2-2 mm
.06”-.1” | 1.5-2.5 mm
.2”-.35” | 5-9 mm
1-2 years (wild); 2-3 years (captivity)
Zebra Spider
0.200
0.250
0.900
3.00
10800
GUIDE
3D
Zebra Spider
Rabid Wolf Spider (Rabidosa rabida)
Scale illustration of an average Rabid Wolf Spider compared to other spider species

Rabid Wolf Spiders (Rabidosa rabida) of the family Lycosidae have weird defense mechanisms that include biting, using sheer speed, or dropping a leg as a twitching distraction to escape danger. Males also dance or create a series of sounds with their legs to attract a mate. You can find them in wooded areas and cotton fields in North America, camouflaging in leaves and dry debris. This is possible by their dark or mottled colored body that helps them blend well in their environment, hence can ambush prey or escape predators. The Rabid Wolf Spider builds no web but catches prey by weaving silk which they also use to protect the young.

Male and female Rabid Wolf Spiders vary in size. The female Rabid Wolf Spider has an overall legspan length between 2.48”-3.27” (63-83 mm), body length of .63”-.83” (16-21 mm), body width of .22”-.26” (5.7-6.7 mm), and body height of .17”-.22” (4.2-5.6 mm). The male Rabid Wolf Spider has an overall legspan length between 1.57”-1.97” (40-50 mm), body length of .39”-.51” (10-13 mm), body width of .14”-.19” (3.6-4.7 mm), and body height of .11”-.13” (2.7-3.4 mm). The common lifespan of the Rabid Wolf Spider is between 1-2 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Rabid Wolf Spider
Rabid Wolf Spiders (Rabidosa rabida) of the family Lycosidae have weird defense mechanisms that include biting, using sheer speed, or dropping a leg as a twitching distraction to escape danger. Males also dance or create a series of sounds with their legs to attract a mate.

Male and female Rabid Wolf Spiders vary in size. The female Rabid Wolf Spider has an overall legspan length between 2.48”-3.27” (63-83 mm), body length of .63”-.83” (16-21 mm), body width of .22”-.26” (5.7-6.7 mm), and body height of .17”-.22” (4.2-5.6 mm). The male Rabid Wolf Spider has an overall legspan length between 1.57”-1.97” (40-50 mm), body length of .39”-.51” (10-13 mm), body width of .14”-.19” (3.6-4.7 mm), and body height of .11”-.13” (2.7-3.4 mm). The common lifespan of the Rabid Wolf Spider is between 1-2 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Rabid Wolf Spider
Rabid Wolf Spider (Rabidosa rabida)
Height:
.11”-.13” | 2.7-3.4 mm (Male); .17”-.22” | 4.2-5.6 mm (Female)
Width:
.14”-.19” | 3.6-4.7 mm (Male); .22”-.26” | 5.7-6.7 mm (Female)
Length:
1.57”-1.97” | 40-50 mm (Male); 2.48”-3.27” | 63-83 mm (Female)
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Body Length: .39”-.51” | 10-13 mm (Male); .63”-.83” | 16-21 mm (Female)

Scientific Name
Rabidosa rabida
Lifespan
1-2 years

Drawings include:

Rabid Wolf Spider top view, side

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Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax)
Scale illustration of an average Bold Jumping Spider compared to other spider species

As its name suggests, the Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax) is a daring prey stocker and wandering hunter that can jump on its prey on the pulse. It is separated from other jumping spiders by its unusually large size and iridescent chelicerae. Unlike other spiders, it does not build a web unless for hiding or laying eggs and belong to the family Salticidae. It is also called Daring Jumping Spider common in North America, revealing a black body but with spots and stripes of white or orange-tints on their abdomens and legs. Look for it on flat surfaces, on grassland, gardens, and exterior walls or fences.

The Bold Jumping Spider has an overall legspan length between .39”-.91” (10-23 mm). Bold Jumping Spiders have a typical body length of .24”-.59” (6-15 mm), body width of .98”-2.56” (25-65 mm), and body height of .08”-.2” (2-5 mm). The common lifespan of the Bold Jumping Spider is between 1-3 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Bold Jumping Spider
As its name suggests, the Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax) is a daring prey stocker and wandering hunter that can jump on its prey on the pulse. It is separated from other jumping spiders by its unusually large size and iridescent chelicerae.

The Bold Jumping Spider has an overall legspan length between .39”-.91” (10-23 mm). Bold Jumping Spiders have a typical body length of .24”-.59” (6-15 mm), body width of .98”-2.56” (25-65 mm), and body height of .08”-.2” (2-5 mm). The common lifespan of the Bold Jumping Spider is between 1-3 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Bold Jumping Spider
Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax)
Height:
.08”-.2” | 2-5 mm
Width:
.98”-2.56” | 25-65 mm
Length:
.39”-.91” | 10-23 mm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Body Length: .24”-.59” | 6-15 mm

Scientific Name
Phidippus audax
Lifespan
1-3 years

Drawings include:

Bold Jumping Spider top view, side

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Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Common House Spider to other species of spiders

Spiders rarely share a web unless during breeding, however, male and female Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) have no qualms about sharing a web! Besides, the webs are a nuisance because they are built close to human dwellings such as attic windows and loose walls. The Common House Spider fits in the family Theridiidae and is also called American House Spider, native to the Americans but now cosmopolitan. Their name came from the fact that they are the most encountered spiders indoor. These spiders camouflage well in the background because of their dull brown color, however, may bite in self-defense or fake death if cornered.

Male and female Common House Spiders vary in size. The female Common House Spider has an overall legspan length between .79”-1.3” (20-33 mm), body length of .2”-.31” (5-8 mm), body width of .12”-2” (3-5 mm), and body height of .14”-.22” (3.5-5.5 mm). The male Common House Spider has an overall legspan length between .33”-.67” (8.5-17 mm), body length of .08”-.16” (2-4 mm), body width of .05”-.1” (1.2-2.5 mm), and body height of .06”-.12” (1.5-3 mm). The common lifespan of the Common House Spider is between 1-2 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common House Spider in various poses
Spiders rarely share a web unless during breeding, however, male and female Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) have no qualms about sharing a web! Besides, the webs are a nuisance because they are built close to human dwellings such as attic windows and loose walls.

Male and female Common House Spiders vary in size. The female Common House Spider has an overall legspan length between .79”-1.3” (20-33 mm), body length of .2”-.31” (5-8 mm), body width of .12”-2” (3-5 mm), and body height of .14”-.22” (3.5-5.5 mm). The male Common House Spider has an overall legspan length between .33”-.67” (8.5-17 mm), body length of .08”-.16” (2-4 mm), body width of .05”-.1” (1.2-2.5 mm), and body height of .06”-.12” (1.5-3 mm). The common lifespan of the Common House Spider is between 1-2 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common House Spider in various poses
Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)
Height:
.06”-.12” | 1.5-3 mm (Male); .14”-.22” | 3.5-5.5 mm (Female)
Width:
.05”-.1” | 1.2-2.5 mm (Male); .12”-2” | 3-5 mm (Female)
Length:
.33”-.67” | 8.5-17 mm (Male); .79”-1.3” | 20-33 mm (Female)
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Body Length: .08”-.16” | 2-4 mm (Male); .2”-.31” | 5-8 mm (Female)

Scientific Name
Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Lifespan
1-2 years

Drawings include:

Common House Spider top view, side

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Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Redback Spider to other species of spiders

Out of the few spiders that show sexual cannibalism during courtship or mating is the Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti) of the family Theridiidae where the males assist in the cannibalism process. The female’s pea size is supported by slender legs and underside showing an hourglass-shape with a red or orange streak from where it gets its name. This spider is common in South Australia, building funnel-like but untidy webs. The Redback Spider is also called Australian Black Widow, Red-striped spider, or Jockey Spider capable of producing a lethal venom. Like most spiders, they are nocturnal and common in human habitats.

Male and female Redback Spiders vary in size. The female Redback Spider has an overall legspan length between 1.1”-1.34” (28-34 mm), body length of .31”-.39” (8-10 mm), body width of .17”-.21” (4.3-5.4 mm), and body height of .19”-.24” (4.7-6 mm). The male Redback Spider has an overall legspan length between .43”-.55” (11-14 mm), body length of .12”-.16” (3-4 mm), body width of .06”-.09” (1.6-2.2 mm), and body height of .07”-.09” (1.8-2.4 mm). The common lifespan of the Redback Spider is between 1-3 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Redback Spider in various poses
Out of the few spiders that show sexual cannibalism during courtship or mating is the Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti) of the family Theridiidae where the males assist in the cannibalism process. The female’s pea size is supported by slender legs and underside showing an hourglass-shape.

Male and female Redback Spiders vary in size. The female Redback Spider has an overall legspan length between 1.1”-1.34” (28-34 mm), body length of .31”-.39” (8-10 mm), body width of .17”-.21” (4.3-5.4 mm), and body height of .19”-.24” (4.7-6 mm). The male Redback Spider has an overall legspan length between .43”-.55” (11-14 mm), body length of .12”-.16” (3-4 mm), body width of .06”-.09” (1.6-2.2 mm), and body height of .07”-.09” (1.8-2.4 mm). The common lifespan of the Redback Spider is between 1-3 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Redback Spider in various poses
Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti)
Height:
.07”-.09” | 1.8-2.4 mm (Male); .19”-.24” | 4.7-6 mm (Female)
Width:
.06”-.09” | 1.6-2.2 mm (Male); .17”-.21” | 4.3-5.4 mm (Female)
Length:
.43”-.55” | 11-14 mm (Male); 1.1”-1.34” | 28-34 mm (Female)
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Body Length: .12”-.16” | 3-4 mm (Male); .31”-.39” | 8-10 mm (Female)

Scientific Name
Latrodectus hasselti
Lifespan
1-3 years

Drawings include:

Redback Spider top view, side

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Water Spider | Diving Bell Spider (Argyroneta aquatica)
Comparison drawing of the Water Spider | Diving Bell Spider compared to other spiders

Spiders prefer ground or arboreal dwellings, however, the Water Spider (Argyroneta aquatica) is different: spending most of its life underwater, only to resurface when replenishing its oxygen supply or to seek prey. Besides, it is the only spider where sexual dimorphism favors males. It resembles a diving bell from where it gets its name. Look for it in freshwater ponds, streams, and other shallow water bodies with abundant vegetation in Europe or Asia. The spider belongs to the family Dictynidae and creates a dome-shaped web where it dwells after filling the web with air. The spider is a night feeder with a bite that is non-venomous.

Male and female Water Spiders (Diving Bell Spiders) vary in size. The female Water Spider has an overall legspan length between .75”-1.1” (19-28 mm), body length of .31”-.47” (8-12 mm), body width of .14”-.22” (3.5-5.5 mm), and body height of .17”-.26” (4.3-6.6 mm). The male Water Spider has an overall legspan length between .94”-1.46” (24-37 mm), body length of .39”-.59” (10-15 mm), body width of .18”-.28” (4.5-7 mm), and body height of .22”-.33” (5.5-8.3 mm). The common lifespan of the Water Spider is between 1-2 years.

Set of scaled top and elevation drawings of the Water Spider | Diving Bell Spider
Spiders prefer ground or arboreal dwellings, however, the Water Spider (Argyroneta aquatica) is different: spending most of its life underwater, only to resurface when replenishing its oxygen supply or to seek prey. Besides, it is the only spider where sexual dimorphism favors males.

Male and female Water Spiders (Diving Bell Spiders) vary in size. The female Water Spider has an overall legspan length between .75”-1.1” (19-28 mm), body length of .31”-.47” (8-12 mm), body width of .14”-.22” (3.5-5.5 mm), and body height of .17”-.26” (4.3-6.6 mm). The male Water Spider has an overall legspan length between .94”-1.46” (24-37 mm), body length of .39”-.59” (10-15 mm), body width of .18”-.28” (4.5-7 mm), and body height of .22”-.33” (5.5-8.3 mm). The common lifespan of the Water Spider is between 1-2 years.

Set of scaled top and elevation drawings of the Water Spider | Diving Bell Spider
Water Spider | Diving Bell Spider (Argyroneta aquatica)
Height:
.22”-.33” | 5.5-8.3 mm (Male); .17”-.26” | 4.3-6.6 mm (Female)
Width:
.18”-.28” | 4.5-7 mm (Male); .14”-.22” | 3.5-5.5 mm (Female)
Length:
.94”-1.46” | 24-37 mm (Male); .75”-1.1” | 19-28 mm (Female)
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Body Length: .39”-.59” | 10-15 mm (Male); .31”-.47” | 8-12 mm (Female)

Scientific Name
Argyroneta aquatica
Lifespan
1-2 years

Drawings include:

Water Spider (Diving Bell Spider) top view, side

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