Diving Bell Spider, Water Spider

Natural Habitat

Freshwater environments, including ponds, lakes, slow-moving streams, and ditches. They require aquatic vegetation or other submerged structures to anchor their silk diving bells.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous. It primarily feeds on aquatic invertebrates such as water insects, small crustaceans (like Daphnia), and insect larvae. It will also prey on small fish or tadpoles if it can catch them.

Behavior Patterns

The diving bell spider is unique for building an underwater silk 'diving bell' which it fills with air brought from the surface. This bell serves as its home, for eating prey, molting, mating, and raising young. They are solitary and territorial. They capture prey by sensing vibrations in the water from their bell or by actively hunting.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: While it possesses venom, its bite is generally not considered dangerous to humans, typically causing mild local pain and inflammation, similar to a bee sting. Benefits: They are a part of the aquatic food web, helping to control populations of aquatic invertebrates.

Identified on: 7/4/2025