The Diving Bell Spider (Argyroneta aquatica) is the only known spider in the world that lives entirely underwater. Like other arachnids, it must breathe air, so it creates a dome-shaped web between aquatic plants and fills the ‘diving bell’ with air carried from the surface.
They live almost entirely within the bells, darting out to catch prey that touches the bell or the silk threads that anchor it.

The spiders must occasionally return to the surface to replenish their air supply, although some gas exchange happens across the surface of their bubbles, so they could remain inside for more than a day without renewal.

The diving bell spider is found in northern and central Europe and parts of northern Asia.
These invertebrates can inflict a painful bite that is often accompanied by feverish symptoms. The spiders themselves fall prey to frogs and fish.

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