# Gerris Gerris, also known as water striders, are special insects that can walk on water! They have long legs that help them glide across the surface, making them look like they are dancing on the water. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 4 - **Habitat:** Wetlands - **Also known as:** Skater ![Gerris](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Water_strider_-_surface_tension.jpg&width=800) Photo: Phyzome is Tim McCormack, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Water_strider_-_surface_tension.jpg) ## Appearance The Gerris is a slender, dark-bodied insect often seen on water. It has six long, thin legs, with the front two shorter for grasping prey. Its distinctive silver underside helps it blend in from below. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hemiptera - **Family:** Gerridae - **Genus:** Gerris ## Interesting facts - Some species of Gerris can grow wings and fly away to find new water sources! - Their middle legs are like oars, pushing them across the water incredibly fast! - They can even mate while balancing on the water's surface, what acrobats! - Water striders use their short front legs to grab and hold onto their insect meals! ## Special abilities - **Water Walker:** Gerris can walk on water's surface because of their light weight and special hydrophobic leg hairs that repel water. - **Ripple Reader:** Gerris has super sensitive leg hairs that detect tiny vibrations on the water, helping them find food or avoid danger. - **Hydrophobic Houdini:** Gerris has microscopic hairs on their legs that trap air bubbles, helping them stay dry and float effortlessly. ## Measurements & details - **Size:** 10-15 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-90 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Water striders are tiny hunters, snatching other insects that fall onto the water's surface. - **Primary Foods:** Small insects, Mosquitoes, Flies, Larvae - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Mallard (*Anas platyrhynchos*) — A common duck that preys on aquatic insects. - **Hunts:** Common mosquito (*Culex pipiens*) — Gerris preys on mosquito larvae and adults on the water. - **Eaten by:** [European perch](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-perch) (*Perca fluviatilis*) — A freshwater fish that hunts surface-dwelling insects. ## Traits - [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Gerris are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Gerris? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How big is Gerris? 10-15 mm ### How long does Gerris live? 30-90 days ### What does Gerris eat? Water striders are tiny hunters, snatching other insects that fall onto the water's surface. ### Where is Gerris usually found? Wetlands ### How does Gerris hunt? Ambush ### How many legs does Gerris have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Historic Moravian Bethlehem Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/historic-moravian-bethlehem-historic-district) — Pennsylvania, US · Historic District - [Olbrich Botanical Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/olbrich-botanical-gardens) — Wisconsin, US · Botanical Garden - [Russian Village Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/russian-village-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [South Britain Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/south-britain-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Marine Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/marine-park) — New York, US · Park - [La Grange Lock and Dam](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/la-grange-lock-and-dam) — Illinois, US · Historic Site [View all places to see Gerris](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/gerris) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Gerris: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gerris)