Diving bell spider

The water spider is a unique arachnid that spends nearly its whole life underwater. It lives in freshwater ponds and slow streams across Europe and Asia. Unlike other spiders, it builds a silky air bubble 'diving bell' to breathe beneath the surface.

• It is the only spider species that lives almost entirely underwater.
• Its abdomen looks velvety grey due to tiny water-trapping hairs.
• When on land, its body appears medium to dark brown.