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North American Common Water Strider

Aquarius remigis

The North American Common Water Strider is a fun insect that skims across the water's surface. They have long legs that help them walk on water without sinking!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The North American Common Water Strider is a slender, dark brown to black insect with very long, thin legs. Its body is elongated and often has a velvety sheen. What makes it visually different are its extremely long middle and hind legs, which splay out to distribute its weight, allowing it to "skate" effortlessly on the water's surface.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyGerridaeGenusAquarius
North American Common Water Strider
insectivorous trait badgewetland trait badgediurnal trait badgeminiature trait badge
North American Common Water Strider

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Some can grow wings and fly to new ponds if their home dries up!

They clean their super-special legs as carefully as a cat cleans its whiskers!

They use their middle legs like oars to zip across the water super fast!

Water striders talk to each other by tapping special patterns on the water!

Special abilities

Ability

Water Walker

North American Common Water Striders can walk and glide on water because their specially-coated legs repel water, creating dimples in the surface tension that support their weight.

Ability

Vibration Hunter

North American Common Water Striders can detect prey using sensitive hairs on their legs that sense tiny ripples and vibrations on the water's surface, helping them locate food.

Ability

Skater's Speed

North American Common Water Striders can move swiftly across the water using their middle legs like oars to propel themselves, reaching speeds impressive for their size.

Measurements & details

Size
8-18 mm
Lifespan
30-90 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These bug hunters eat small insects that fall onto the water's surface.

Age differences: Nymphs (young) eat smaller versions of the same insects as adults.

Primary Foods

  • mosquitoes
  • flies
  • aphids
  • small terrestrial insects

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

Mosquitofish

Gambusia affinis

Fish like mosquitofish will prey on water striders.

eaten by

American Bullfrog

Lithobates catesbeianus

Frogs often snatch water striders from the surface.

hunts

Yellow Fever Mosquito

Aedes aegypti

They ambush mosquito adults or larvae that fall into the water.

hunts

Non-biting Midge

Chironomus riparius

They prey on midges and other small insects that land on water.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch where you step near water to keep safe from slipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is North American Common Water Strider?

8-18 mm

How long does North American Common Water Strider live?

30-90 days

What does North American Common Water Strider eat?

These bug hunters eat small insects that fall onto the water's surface.

Where is North American Common Water Strider usually found?

Wetlands

How does North American Common Water Strider hunt?

Ambush

How many legs does North American Common Water Strider have?

6

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Where to spot

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