The Diving Bell Spider is super unique! Imagine a spider that spends most of its life underwater, whether it’s resting, hunting, or even laying eggs. The only time it comes up is to get some fresh air. This cool spider calls parts of Europe and Asia its home. Keep reading for amazing facts about them!
The female spider lays 30 to 70 eggs at a time in the egg sac.
The spiderlings remain with their mother for a while after birth till they mature, post which they disperse to lead a life of their own.
Their web is unique as they weave a silk bubble that is a dome–shaped amidst the underwater vegetation known as a diving bell. The egg sac is also constructed by the female spider within this bell.
Yes, Diving Bell Spiders have venom. But for humans, it’s not very strong. They use their venom mostly to catch underwater bugs for food.
They can bite, but it’s not common. Though they are not known to cause much harm to humans, the diving bell spiders have a painful bite which might result in mild fever, vomiting, localized pain, and inflammation that would subside in a few days.
Other Names | Water spider |
Lifespan | One year |
Distribution | Throughout Europe including the British Isles, as well as northern parts of Asia including countries of Russia, Turkey, Japan, Caucasus, Korea, China, and Iran |
Habitat | Underwater, mostly in ponds, marshes, eutrophic lakes, swamps, and slow-moving streams |
Common Predators | Fish and frogs |
Diet | Aquatic insects, and mosquito larvae |
Image Credits: Assets.wired.com, Media.treehugger.com, Abc.net.au, I.pinimg.com
The Diving Bell Spider is super unique! Imagine a spider that spends most of its life underwater, whether it’s resting, hunting, or even laying eggs. The only time it comes up is to get some fresh air. This cool spider calls parts of Europe and Asia its home. Keep reading for amazing facts about them!
The female spider lays 30 to 70 eggs at a time in the egg sac.
The spiderlings remain with their mother for a while after birth till they mature, post which they disperse to lead a life of their own.
Their web is unique as they weave a silk bubble that is a dome–shaped amidst the underwater vegetation known as a diving bell. The egg sac is also constructed by the female spider within this bell.
Yes, Diving Bell Spiders have venom. But for humans, it’s not very strong. They use their venom mostly to catch underwater bugs for food.
They can bite, but it’s not common. Though they are not known to cause much harm to humans, the diving bell spiders have a painful bite which might result in mild fever, vomiting, localized pain, and inflammation that would subside in a few days.
Other Names | Water spider |
Lifespan | One year |
Distribution | Throughout Europe including the British Isles, as well as northern parts of Asia including countries of Russia, Turkey, Japan, Caucasus, Korea, China, and Iran |
Habitat | Underwater, mostly in ponds, marshes, eutrophic lakes, swamps, and slow-moving streams |
Common Predators | Fish and frogs |
Diet | Aquatic insects, and mosquito larvae |
Image Credits: Assets.wired.com, Media.treehugger.com, Abc.net.au, I.pinimg.com