How Do Spiders Not Drown?
WouterSome species of spiders can survive completely submerged in water. A diving bell spider, for example, can stay underwater for hours at a time. These creatures use air pockets stored in their hair to float and breathe. They also have a special way of resurfacing for air replenishment.
Other spiders have the ability to float, but do not swim. Unlike aquatic animals, they are able to extract oxygen from the water and hold their breath for a long time. They can even rely on plants or floating objects to keep them afloat.
Most spiders live in fully or semi-aquatic environments. Some have two or more book lungs, while others have just one. They also have a trachea and spiracles to provide them with air. Some of the tracheae open directly to the surface when they are active, while the others branch out.
There are three types of spiders. They are the land spiders, the water spiders and the semi-aquatic spiders. The latter are the most resilient. They can tolerate warm water and can easily navigate their surroundings, whereas the former are not so well-adapted.
Spiders can survive in water, but do not like it. A dive into a pond, for example, can be fatal. A splash can break through the exoskeleton and cause internal organs to be smashed. It is unlikely that a larger spider would be able to handle such a fall. Some smaller species can float in air, while others can use their legs to slow down their descent.
