Marine Spider Desis marina

The only spider on Earth that has conquered the intertidal zone, Desis marina inhabits a harsh world of crashing waves and extreme environmental swings that would kill most arachnids. This marine maverick builds silk retreats inside seashells and kelp holdfasts, and can survive complete submergence for over 19 days by remaining sealed inside its air pocket. The silk itself is specially adapted for aquatic conditions, with unique properties engineered over millions of years for life at sea.

Predators of tiny crustaceans like amphipods and isopods, these spiders are apex hunters of the rocky shore ecosystem. Females are devoted mothers, guarding their egg sacs inside retreats and potentially living up to two years — a remarkable lifespan for such a small predator. This New Zealand endemic is a reminder that spiders have found ways to thrive in nearly every environment on Earth.