This European species spends its life beneath the surface of a still pond or lake living in an air-filled “diving bell” of its own making.
It begins the construction of the diving bell by weaving a small sheet of silk that it anchors in a horizontal position to a submerged water plant.
It then swims to the surface, traps a large bubble of air between its abdomen and hind legs, and returns to the silken sheet to release the bubble beneath it.
The bubble floats up and is trapped beneath the sheet.
Several such trips fill the diving bell.
It then sits in the bell with its legs, which are very sensitive to vibrations, extended out into the water.
When it detects vibrations from a swimming insect or even one struggling on the surface, it rushes out to catch it and then returns to its diving bell to eat it.
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