D
Species Profile

Diving Bell Spider (Water Spider)

Argyroneta aquatica

The spider that lives in a bubble
iStock.com/Lingkon Serao

Diving Bell Spider (Water Spider) Distribution

Click a location to explore more animals from that region

Loading map...

Found in 40 countries

Closeup of diving bell spider drifting on the water lettuce plant from arum family. Water spider resting on the water cabbage, nile cabbage, shellflower, pistia leave or pistia stratiotes leaves in the water

At a Glance

Wild Species
Also Known As Water spider, Aquatic spider, Underwater spider, Water-dwelling spider
Diet Carnivore
Activity Nocturnal+
Lifespan 2 years
Status Least Concern
Did You Know?

It's the only spider known to spend almost its entire life underwater in freshwater (it still must periodically top up its air supply).

Scientific Classification

The diving bell spider is a freshwater spider famous for living almost entirely underwater by maintaining an air-filled 'diving bell' (a silk web structure) anchored to submerged vegetation.

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Cybaeidae
Genus
Argyroneta
Species
Argyroneta aquatica

Distinguishing Features

  • Only spider known to spend virtually its entire life submerged, relying on an underwater air store
  • Builds a silk diving bell and replenishes it by carrying air bubbles on body hairs (plastron-like air layer)
  • Freshwater habitat (unusual for spiders), typically among submerged vegetation
  • Often described as having a silvery sheen underwater due to trapped air on the body

Physical Measurements

Length
0 in (0 in – 1 in)
Venomous

Appearance

Primary Colors
Brown Gray Silver Black
Secondary Colors
Tan Cream White
Skin Type Hard chitinous exoskeleton densely covered with hydrophobic setae (hair-like structures) that trap air; this creates a persistent air film (plastron) and contributes to the characteristic silvery underwater appearance (Foelix, 2011).
Distinctive Features
  • Freshwater, fully aquatic lifestyle: spends most of its life submerged in ponds, lakes, slow streams, and wetlands among aquatic vegetation; not a surface-walking fishing spider (Foelix, 2011).
  • Air-bubble transport: repeatedly carries air from the surface trapped on abdominal/leg hairs down to a submerged silk structure, replenishing the internal air store.
  • Silk 'diving bell': constructs an underwater, dome-like silk web anchored to submerged plants and fills it with air; used as a retreat, feeding site, and (often) for molting and reproduction (Foelix, 2011).
  • Trapped-air sheen (plastron): dense hydrophobic hairs hold a reflective air layer over much of the body, giving a bright silvery look underwater and helping resist wetting (Foelix, 2011).
  • Swimming-adapted legs: legs bear fringes of hairs that increase paddle surface for underwater movement; typically swims through vegetation rather than walking on the surface film.
  • Adult body length (commonly reported): males ~1.0-1.5 cm; females ~0.8-1.2 cm (Foelix, 2011).

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexes differ in size and reproductive morphology; males are commonly reported as slightly larger-bodied than females in this species (Foelix, 2011).

♂
  • Adult male body length is typically about 0.9-1.2 cm (approximately 9-12 mm).
  • More conspicuous enlarged pedipalps (male copulatory organs) typical of adult male spiders; often noticeable as bulbous palps at the front.
  • Often more active in searching behavior during mating periods, including moving between vegetation and bells (behavioral context consistent with aquatic bell-dwelling lifestyle).
♀
  • Adult female body length commonly reported ~0.7-1.5 cm (Nentwig et al., Spiders of Europe, Argyroneta aquatica).
  • Females are the primary builders/occupants of brood-associated bells; egg sacs are kept within the diving bell structure (Foelix, 2011).
  • Less visually prominent pedipalps compared with adult males (non-bulbous palps typical of females).

Did You Know?

It's the only spider known to spend almost its entire life underwater in freshwater (it still must periodically top up its air supply).

Adults show sexual size reversal: males are typically larger than females (males ~10-15 mm body length; females ~8-12 mm).

Underwater, its body can look silvery because a film of trapped air clings to its hydrophobic hairs.

It builds a silk "diving bell" on submerged plants and stocks it with air bubbles transported from the surface.

Females lay eggs inside the bell; reported broods are commonly on the order of tens of eggs (often ~30-70).

The bell functions like a physical gill: oxygen diffuses in from the water as the spider consumes it, delaying trips to the surface (shown in physiological studies of gas exchange/'physical gill' function).

Unique Adaptations

  • Silk diving bell (submerged air chamber): a rare use of spider silk to create a persistent underwater "room" for respiration, resting, molting, and reproduction.
  • Hydrophobic body hairs (plastron-like air layer): dense, water-repelling setae trap air against the body, contributing to the characteristic silvery sheen and aiding underwater gas management.
  • Physical-gill respiration: the bell's air-water interface allows oxygen to diffuse from water into the bell as the spider consumes oxygen, extending submergence time (documented in experimental physiology research on the diving bell spider's diving bell).
  • Aquatic locomotion and hunting: strong swimming ability and underwater prey capture-unusual for spiders, which are typically terrestrial predators.
  • Sexual size reversal: males are larger and often more mobile, which may aid mate searching in a three-dimensional aquatic habitat.

Interesting Behaviors

  • Diving-bell construction: spins a dense silk canopy anchored to aquatic vegetation, then repeatedly surfaces to collect air and releases bubbles into the silk structure until it inflates into a usable chamber.
  • Air-bubble transport: rises to the surface, traps an air bubble against the abdomen/hindbody and leg hairs, then dives to the bell and unloads the bubble-repeated many times to maintain bell volume.
  • Underwater hunting: waits near the bell and actively pursues aquatic prey (e.g., insect larvae and small aquatic invertebrates); returns to the bell to consume prey or to rest.
  • Bell as a home base: uses the bell for resting, molting, and avoiding predators; individuals may maintain or rebuild bells as vegetation shifts or damage occurs.
  • Reproduction in the bell: mating and egg-laying occur in/near bell structures; females guard eggs and young within the protected air chamber.
  • Seasonal strategy: can overwinter in submerged retreats (including bell structures) in cold conditions, reducing activity until temperatures rise.

Cultural Significance

The diving bell spider (Argyroneta aquatica), or water spider, is used in teaching as an example of clever animal building. It makes an underwater silk diving bell with air for breathing, feeding, and breeding in still waters and is noted in UK wetland conservation.

Myths & Legends

The diving bell spider, Argyroneta aquatica, has little folklore. Its cultural story is a nature legend: early Europeans said it 'lives in a house of air' underwater, later confirmed by observations.

Victorian and early modern writers called the diving bell spider (Argyroneta aquatica) a sign of cleverness, saying it 'carried down air like a diver' and built an underwater chamber, a famous natural history wonder.

The enduring "silver spider" nickname in popular accounts stems from the shimmering air layer that makes it appear plated in silver underwater, giving it an almost mythical appearance despite its ordinary wetland habitat.

Conservation Status

LC Least Concern

Widespread and abundant in the wild.

Population Unknown

Life Cycle

Birth 50 spiderlings
Lifespan 2 years

Lifespan

In the Wild
1–3 years
In Captivity
1–3 years

Reproduction

Mating System Polygynandry
Social Structure Solitary
Breeding Pattern Transient
Fertilization Internal Fertilization
Birth Type Internal_fertilization

Argyroneta aquatica is mostly solitary; adults keep individual diving bells. Males leave to find females, use pedipalps to transfer sperm to the female’s epigyne, then leave. Females care for eggs; mating is likely polygynandrous (both sexes mate with many), but evidence is limited.

Behavior & Ecology

Social None (solitary) Group: 1
Activity Nocturnal, Crepuscular
Diet Carnivore Aquatic insect larvae (especially midge larvae, Chironomidae)
Seasonal Hibernates

Temperament

Strongly asocial; maintains an individual underwater refuge (diving bell) and foraging area
Territorial around the bell entrance/anchor; may attack intruders
Predatory ambush/active forager on aquatic invertebrates; will seize prey and return it to the bell to feed
Sex-specific roaming: males are more mobile during the breeding season, leaving their bells to locate females
Cannibalism risk during forced proximity (e.g., confined habitats), consistent with solitary spiders
Diving bell spider (Argyroneta aquatica) usually lives about one to two years in temperate areas; females often live longer than males. In cold regions they may spend the winter in their bell under ice.

Communication

No known vocalizations; communication is not acoustic in the vertebrate sense
Vibrational/tactile signaling on silk: courtship and contact behaviors are mediated by vibrations transmitted through the bell web and associated silk lines
Chemical cues (pheromones) likely on silk and in the water boundary layer: mate location/recognition is consistent with spider pheromonal communication, with males orienting to female-associated cues
Hydrodynamic cues: detection of prey/conspecific movement via water-borne vibrations sensed through legs and the bell structure
Limited visual signaling underwater (turbidity/low light); mechanosensory input is dominant

Habitat

Pond Lake River/Stream Wetland Marsh Bog Agricultural/Farmland Urban +2
Biomes:
Freshwater Wetland Temperate Forest Temperate Grassland Boreal Forest (Taiga)
Terrain:
Plains Valley Riverine Muddy Coastal
Elevation: Up to 3280 ft 10 in

Ecological Role

Aquatic invertebrate predator (freshwater mesopredator) associated with submerged macrophyte beds

Helps regulate populations of aquatic insect larvae (including mosquito larvae) and other small freshwater invertebrates Transfers energy from aquatic invertebrate production to higher trophic levels (serves as prey for fish, amphibians, and aquatic birds) Contributes to structuring littoral-zone food webs in vegetated ponds, lakes, and slow waters

Diet Details

Main Prey:
Aquatic insect larvae Aquatic insect nymphs Aquatic crustaceans Water boatmen and other aquatic Hemiptera Small aquatic worms Very small vertebrates

Human Interaction

Domestication Status

Wild

Argyroneta aquatica (diving bell spider) is not domesticated and has no history of selective breeding. It is a wild Palearctic freshwater spider kept in captivity only for research, education, or hobby aquariums. Its key behavior—building a submerged silk diving bell that stores air and acts like a gill—has been well studied.

Danger Level

Low
  • Bite risk is low because the species is non-aggressive and usually encountered underwater; bites generally occur only if handled or trapped against skin.
  • Localized pain/swelling is possible from a defensive bite (typical of many non-medically-significant spiders); severe systemic effects are not characteristic for this species.
  • Aquarium handling risk: inadvertent stress/death to the animal is more likely than human injury due to the highly specialized underwater husbandry requirements.

As a Pet

Not Suitable as Pet

Legality: Diving bell spider (Argyroneta aquatica) is not usually CITES-listed, but local conservation laws may ban collecting or keeping native spiders. Import, transport, or sale can need permits. Check local wildlife and invasive-species rules first.

Care Level: Expert Only

Purchase Cost: $30 - $150
Lifetime Cost: $250 - $1,200

Economic Value

Uses:
Scientific research model (respiration physiology; 'physical gill'/gas exchange in air stores) Education and public outreach (iconic aquatic arthropod; museum/aquarium interpretation) Biodiversity/ecosystem value (predator of aquatic invertebrates) Specialty aquarium/terrarium trade (rare, niche)
Products:
  • No established commercial products (no fiber/venom commodity market specific to this species)
  • Indirect value via research insights into gas exchange and biomaterials (diving-bell silk architecture; respiration under water; e.g., Seymour & Hetz, 2011)

Relationships

Predators 7

European perch Perca fluviatilis
Northern pike Esox lucius
Three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus
Common frog
Common frog Rana temporaria
Great crested newt Triturus cristatus
Southern hawker Aeshna cyanea
Eurasian water shrew Neomys fodiens

Related Species 3

Common meshweaver Cybaeus angustiarum Shared Family
Tetrick's meshweaver Cybaeus tetricus Shared Family
Spring meshweaver Cybaeus vernalis Shared Family

Ecological Equivalents 5

Animals that fill a similar ecological role in their ecosystem

Raft spider
Raft spider Dolomedes fimbriatus Semi-aquatic, sit-and-wait predator at pond and lake margins. Captures aquatic and terrestrial prey from the water surface and frequently dives when disturbed; overlaps in freshwater prey base and use of habitat edges, though it does not maintain a permanent underwater air store.
Fen raft spider Dolomedes plantarius Threatened European fishing spider that specializes along wetland watersides. Hunts on the water surface and among emergent vegetation, taking similar prey (aquatic insects and small aquatic vertebrates) and using the same wetland vegetation structure that Argyroneta uses to anchor retreats.
Great diving beetle Dytiscus marginalis Freshwater ambush and active predator occupying similar still-water habitats (ponds, slow canals) and overlapping prey (aquatic insect larvae, tadpoles). Ecological analogue as an air-breathing diver that repeatedly surfaces to renew air stores.
Backswimmer Notonecta glauca Air-breathing aquatic predator that hunts among submerged vegetation and at the surface. Shares microhabitats and can compete for, or be involved in intraguild predation over, aquatic insect prey.
European water scorpion Nepa cinerea Vegetation-associated freshwater predator that uses a sit-and-wait strategy in stagnant or slow waters; overlaps in prey types (small aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles) and in use of plant-structure habitat.

The diving bell spider, also known as a water spider, is an aquatic species of spider that can be found in freshwater habitats throughout Asia and Europe. The diving bell spider lives an interesting life that sets it apart from other species of spider, living in water instead of on land. The only time the diving bell spider can be seen on land or above the water surface is when it’s replenishing its oxygen supply.

As an aquatic spider, the diving bell spider has a much different way of surviving than your typical land spider, and all their hunting, webbing, resting, and mating habits occur underwater.

5 Facts About Diving Bell Spiders

  1. Male diving bell spiders are around 30% larger than females because the females have larger bells to build underwater webbing.
  2. When diving bell spiderlings hatch, they stay with their mother until they are mature and leave the nest.
  3. Diving bell spiders have a painful bite that can leave you in pain for a few days.
  4. The diving bell of this type of spider acts as their gills, which allows them to store oxygen to breathe underwater.
  5. The diving bell spider is one of the only spiders that can live and breathe entirely underwater without drowning.

Diving Bell Spider Species, Types, and Scientific Name

Diving bell spiders, scientifically known as Argyroneta Aquatica are the only member of the Argyroneta genus of spiders that can live in water, and they belong to the Dictynidae family. The diving bell spider is only one species, and there are no different types of diving bell spiders.

Appearance: How To Identify Diving Bell Spiders

The diving bell spider has an interesting appearance that looks striking underwater. Females reach a total size of 7.8 to 13.1 millimeters, while males reach a size of 7.8 to 18.7 millimeters, making them much larger than females.

Female diving bell spiders have shorter front legs (chelicera) with a larger abdomen that they use to build and maintain their underwater webbing. Male diving bell spiders have shrunken abdomens and longer front legs that they use for diving.

The diving bell spider’s coloration varies on land and underwater, as the bubbles surrounding their bodies can make them appear silver. However, diving bell spiders have a brownish-black color with a velvet abdomen and brown cephalothorax.

Like all arachnids, the diving bell spider has eight legs and a rounded abdomen that has a bubble surrounding it underwater. The abdomen has fine hairs around it that help to hold and capture the air bubble that holds the oxygen they need to breathe underwater.

diving bell spider on icy water

The diving bell spider lives exclusively in and on water.

©Maximillian cabinet/Shutterstock.com

Habitat: Where To Find Diving Bell Spiders

Diving bell spiders are indigenous to Europe and northern parts of Asia, and they can be found in the following places:

  • British Isles
  • Russia
  • Turkey
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Iran
  • China
  • Caucasus

The diving bell spiders’ habitat is in freshwater, making them an aquatic species of spider. Diving bell spiders live in ponds, marshes, eutrophic lakes, slow-moving streams, and swamps with plenty of rocks, fallen branches, and vegetation where they can create their webbing. They prefer waters with a low oxygen concentration (usually stagnant waters) and a low pH that makes it slightly acidic.

The diving bell spider will spin a bell-shaped web that they live inside and spend most of their time. They will leave this web to catch prey, find a mate, or replenish the air bubble found on their abdomen.

Diet: What Do Diving Bell Spiders Eat?

Diving bell spiders primarily eat a diet of small aquatic inhabitants, making them a hunter and carnivores. Their diet includes mosquito larvae, small crustaceans, water mites, mayfly nymphs, phantom midge larvae, and daphnia.

They will leave the web to catch prey that they will later bring back to eat, or they will wait until their prey gets stuck in their intricate webbing.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Female diving bell spiders will lay between 30 to 70 eggs in a single egg sac after mating with a male. Once the spiderlings hatch, they will spend most of their time with the mother diving bell spider until they are mature and can leave the nest to live out the rest of their adult lives.

Diving bell spiders only have a maximum lifespan of a year.

Similar Animals:

View all 450 animals that start with D

Sources

  1. Spider Identifications / Accessed December 28, 2022
  2. Diving Bell Spider / Accessed December 28, 2022
Sarah Psaradelis

About the Author

Sarah Psaradelis

Sarah is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering aquatic pets, rodents, arachnids, and reptiles. Sarah has over 3 years of experience in writing and researching various animal topics. She is currently working towards furthering her studies in the animal field. A resident of South Africa, Sarah enjoys writing alongside her pets and almost always has her rats perched on her shoulders.
Connect:

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?

Related Articles You May Find Interesting

Diving Bell Spider (Water Spider) FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Diving bell spiders deliver a painful bite to their victim, which can cause swelling, inflammation and pain that lasts for a few days. However, they are not particularly harmful to humans. If you are bitten by a diving bell spider, you may also experience a severe reaction causing nausea, vomiting, and a fever that requires medical care.

The diving bell spider may be small, but they have fangs that are capable of piercing through human skin. It is unclear whether a diving bell spider is venomous. Getting bitten by a diving bell spider is rare, and you are more likely to get bitten if you accidently harm the diving bell spider swimming in waters where diving bell spiders are present.

IMPORTANT: If you have been bitten or suspect you have been bitten by a diving bell spider, please consult with your doctor or health practitioner immediately for treatment and pain relief. If you are experiencing pain, fever, and vomiting after being bitten, please go to the nearest hospital or have someone help transport you there for medical care.

View Diving Bell Spider (Water Spider) Photos