Spiders are fascinating creatures, and their ability to survive without oxygen varies among different species. Generally, many spiders can endure several hours to a few days without oxygen. This remarkable tolerance can be attributed to their unique physiology.
Spiders breathe through a specialized system called book lungs or tracheae, which allows them to take in air efficiently. In certain situations, such as being submerged in water, spiders can switch to anaerobic respiration. This process lets them survive for longer periods without the oxygen they typically require.
For instance, some spiders can hold their breath for a couple of hours when trapped underwater, while others might survive days in a low-oxygen environment. However, prolonged deprivation of oxygen will ultimately be fatal for spiders, just as it would be for most living organisms.