Water Spider | Diving Bell Spider (Argyroneta aquatica)
Water Spider | Diving Bell Spider (Argyroneta aquatica)
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.
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.
