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Underwater spiders use webs as 'gills'

Nature (2011)Cite this article

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Diving-bell webs act as oxygen exchangers, not just aqualungs.

The diving-bell spider Argyroneta aquatica is unique in its ability to live most of its life underwater. But how does it make sure it always has enough oxygen? Scientists have now discovered that the underwater web it uses to store air is more than just a static diving bell — it can function in a similar way to fish gills by obtaining oxygen from the water.

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References

  1. Seymour, R. S. and Hetz, S. K. J. Exp. Biol. 214, 2175-2181 (2011).

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  1. Matt Kaplan
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Roger Seymour

John Terblanche

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Kaplan, M. Underwater spiders use webs as 'gills'. Nature (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/news.2011.357

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/news.2011.357

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