Diving Bell Spider

underwater · unique spider · Europe and Asia

Only underwater spider. The diving bell spider is the only spider species known to live almost entirely under water. It's so special that scientists put it in its own spider family.

Breathes trapped air. Instead of gills like fish, this spider carries a bubble of air down underwater that looks like a shiny diving bell. The bubble lets the spider breathe while hunting for food beneath the surface.

Freshwater home. Diving bell spiders live in clean freshwater streams and ponds across Europe and Asia, where they build their underwater webs.

Velvet appearance. The spider has a dark brown body, but the fine hairs on its belly make it look silvery and soft, like gray velvet.

Scientific rarity. This spider is the only member of its entire genus, making it one of nature's most unique creatures that has evolved to solve the puzzle of life underwater.