Spider breaths with air bubbles

The water spider Argyroneta aquatica (pictured) is able to use air bubbles to breathe underwater and has been discovered by biologists of Humboldt University (Germany).

This is a water spider that often lives in ponds, lakes and slow-flowing waters throughout Europe and North Asia. They live, mate, lay eggs and prey completely under water, through webbing between trees growing under the water. In particular, unlike the unusual water spiders that rise to the surface to breathe, this spider can create air bubbles by using fine hair on the abdomen to transport bubbles from above the water to the bottom. spider webs.

Water spider Argyroneta aquatica (Photo: appstate.edu ) .

These bubbles work like carrying fish or gas tanks, can absorb dissolved oxygen in water and disperse carbonic gas, help spider breathe right under water. They even spawn in these air bubbles and can live well in stagnant and hot waters.

The spider Argyroneta aquatica just needs to climb up to the surface once a day to reduce the chances of being detected by the enemy and there are many opportunities to wait for the prey.