Water Spider
VU

Water Spider

Argyroneta aquatica

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diving_bell_spider

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Water Spider faces severe population declines across its European range due to widespread degradation of freshwater habitats. Pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has contaminated many ponds and slow-moving waterways, while drainage of wetlands for development has eliminated critical breeding sites. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering water temperatures and oxygen levels in the shallow, vegetation-rich waters this species requires for constructing its distinctive underwater air bells.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Water Spider inhabits shallow, well-vegetated freshwater environments including ponds, ditches, slow streams, and marsh pools across Europe and northern Asia. It requires clean water with abundant submerged vegetation to anchor its silk diving bell structures and sufficient dissolved oxygen to maintain its unique underwater lifestyle.

FRESHWATER· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Water Spider classified as Vulnerable?
Water Spider is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Water Spider faces severe population declines across its European range due to widespread degradation of freshwater habitats. Pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has contaminated many ponds and slow-moving waterways, while drainage of wetlands for development has eliminated critical breeding sites. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering water temperatures and oxygen levels in the shallow, vegetation-rich waters this species requires for constructing its distinctive underwater air bells.
Where does Water Spider live?
Water Spider occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Czechia (plus 25 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Water Spider?
The main threats to Water Spider are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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