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Pond Animals |
Water Spider
Scientific Name -
Argyroneta aquatica.
Group:
Arachnid
Size:10-15mm
Our lakes have a big population of water spiders. These creatures make a bubble nest underwater. They breathe by carrying an air bubble down below the surface. They feed on other tiny creatures such as Phantom Midge Larvae.
Canterbury's water spiders are the subject of international research.
Water spiders are about 20mm long.
Food chain
Position in food
chain:
Secondary consumer (carnivore)
They eat
Phantom Midge Larvae, water mites, mayfly nymphs
They are eaten by
fish, frogs
Life cycle
The adults make a bubble using their silk. When
the eggs are laid they develop in this nest. The young spiders hatch
out into the water.
Find out more about the water spider
Canterbury Environmental Education Centre