Argyroneta aquatica is the unique 'water spider', the only species that spends the majority of its life submerged in ponds, lakes and canals. It lives in a silken cell and maintains a large air bubble that it replenishes with air from the surface at regular intervals. Quite large prey items may be taken including small fish.
     There is a number of records for this species in Cornwall from small ponds and flooded quarries. Argyroneta aquatica seems to be particularly common on The Lizard where it has been found in five tetrads. However, arachnologists do not often look for spiders with a pond net. If searched for deliberately, Argyroneta aquatica will probably turn up in many more suitable habitats.

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