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Do All Spiders Live on Land?

If you thought that spiders were restricted to spinning webs in trees or in the corners of your house, think again. Even going underwater won't guarantee spider-free surroundings.

It turns out there's an aquatic arachnid known as the diving bell spider that spends nearly its entire life underwater. Roger Seymour, of the University of Adelaide in Australia, and Stefan Hetz, of Humboldt University in Germany, have delved into the existence of the only spider that makes its home beneath the waves, coming up with some astonishing details.

The diving bell spider spins a dome-shaped web underwater and fills it with air bubbles, allowing it to breathe beneath the surface.
The diving bell spider spins a dome-shaped web underwater and fills it with air bubbles, allowing it to breathe beneath the surface.

Most amazing, perhaps, is that while it has long been believed that the spider spent much of its time replenishing the air that inflates the dome-like home it builds among underwater plants, the truth is that it relies on natural processes to do much of the work.

There are more oxygen molecules in the water around the dome, so as the air inside the structure forces carbon monoxide out, the oxygen automatically replaces it. Basically, the spider only needs to surface about once a day to refill its home. In fact, if it weren't for the fact that nitrogen also seeps out of the bubble, making it shrink, the diving bell spider could stay underwater indefinitely.

Diving into some more details:

  • Diving bell spiders are carnivores, feeding on fairy shrimp, tadpoles, water fleas, and other small prey.

  • Oxygen bubbles inside the diving bell attach to the spider, allowing it to hunt prey for longer periods before needing to return to its home.

  • The scientific name for the diving bell spider is Argyroneta aquatica, which roughly translates to "silver spinner" -- the spider appears silver-colored underwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all spiders live on land?

No, not all spiders live on land. While the vast majority of spider species are terrestrial, there are some like the semi-aquatic spiders that dwell at the water's edge, and others, such as the water spider (Argyroneta aquatica), which lives entirely underwater, creating an air bubble to survive in submerged environments.

How do aquatic spiders breathe underwater?

Aquatic spiders like the water spider (Argyroneta aquatica) breathe underwater by creating an air bubble, which they trap against their abdomen and use as a diving bell. This bubble acts as a physical gill, allowing gas exchange with the surrounding water, thus enabling the spider to stay submerged for extended periods.

Can spiders that live on water walk on land as well?

Yes, spiders that live on water can also walk on land. Semi-aquatic spiders, for instance, are adept at moving between aquatic and terrestrial habitats. They have evolved to hunt and navigate in both environments, although they may have preferences for one over the other depending on the species.

What adaptations do aquatic spiders have?

Aquatic spiders have several adaptations for their lifestyle, including hydrophobic hairs on their bodies that trap air, providing buoyancy and an oxygen supply while submerged. Their specialized behaviors, such as creating air bubbles or diving bells, and the ability to walk on the water's surface due to the surface tension, are also key adaptations.

Are there any spiders that prefer salty environments?

While most spiders prefer freshwater or terrestrial habitats, some species, like the Desis marina, are adapted to live in intertidal zones where they experience salty conditions. These spiders can seal themselves in air-filled chambers in coral or rocks during high tide to avoid direct contact with saltwater.

How do spiders contribute to aquatic ecosystems?

Spiders play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by acting as predators and helping to control insect populations. They are part of the food web, serving as prey for fish and other wildlife. Their presence indicates a healthy, balanced ecosystem, as they often prey on insects that could otherwise reach pest levels.

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    • The diving bell spider spins a dome-shaped web underwater and fills it with air bubbles, allowing it to breathe beneath the surface.
      The diving bell spider spins a dome-shaped web underwater and fills it with air bubbles, allowing it to breathe beneath the surface.