Summary for Argyroneta aquatica (Araneae)

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National Distribution

 
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Argyroneta aquatica Copyright: Andy Pay
Identification difficulty rating: 2
Name: Argyroneta aquatica
Authority: (Clerck, 1757)
Order: Arachnida: Araneae
Family: Dictynidae
IUCN status: LC

Records: 1071
First Record: 1800
Latest Record: 2024

1992-on hectads: 205
Pre-1992 hectads: 147
Total hectads: 308

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About this species

Recorded altitude range
0m to 324m

Species text

Distribution
The species is widespread but scattered in much of the southern half of Britain, very locally distributed further north. It is widespread in north-western and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology
The water spider is found in clean, vegetated fresh water with little current e.g. ponds, lakes, dykes and canals where it lives submerged under water throughout most of its life. It creates an underwater silken cell that is filled with air from the surface. Prey is taken back to this retreat for consumption and the cell is also used for mating, egg-laying and over wintering. Occasionally the spider will feed at the surface and moulting normally takes place out of the water. The spider is adult throughout the year but most active from spring to late summer.

Status
The spider may be abundant in suitable habitat. It may be declining in some areas due to loss of habitat through pollution.

Original author of profile: P. Lee

Text based on Harvey, P.R., Nellist, D.R. & Telfer, M.G. (eds) 2002. Provisional atlas of British spiders (Arachnida, Araneae), Volumes 1 & 2. Huntingdon: Biological Records Centre.  References

Adult Season

Adult Season Data (based on 150 records with adult season information)


Habitats

background methodology

Broad Habitat Data (based on 239 records with habitat information)

Broad subhabitat Data (based on 21 records with subhabitat information)

Structural Habitat Data (based on 13 records with structural habitat information)

Habitat Detail and Method (based on 24 records with habitat detail and method information)

Recorded management for locations with Argyroneta aquatica

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Argyroneta aquatica

Images

Argyroneta aquatica female (submerged)
Argyroneta aquatica female (submerged)
Argyroneta aquatica female
Argyroneta aquatica female
Water spider at Wigan Flashes
Water spider at Wigan Flashes
Argyroneta aquatica
Argyroneta aquatica
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