Water Strider

Gerridae

The Water Strider is a fascinating insect that can walk on water! They have long legs and are often seen gliding across ponds.

Habitat: Ponds, lakes, and slow-moving water

Appearance

The Water Strider has a long, slender dark body, often black or brown, supported by six exceptionally long, thin legs. Its middle and hind legs are spread wide, making it visually distinct as it skims across water surfaces.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyGerridae

Water Strider

Interesting facts

Their legs are covered in tiny, non-wetting hairs, trapping air and keeping them dry!

They breathe through small holes called spiracles on their bodies, just like other insects.

Water striders have strong claws on their front legs to hold onto prey.

Water striders taste their prey by touching it with their antennae before eating!

Special abilities

Water Strider can glide effortlessly across water surfaces because of specialized non-wetting hairs and surface tension that helps them stay afloat.

Water Strider has super sensitive legs that detect tiny vibrations and ripples on the water, helping them locate prey or sense danger.

Water Strider can push off the water using its middle legs, creating dimples in the surface tension that propels them swiftly forward.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 20-30 mm
Size: 10-30 mm
Lifespan: 60-120 days
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Water striders are tiny hunters, catching small insects that fall onto the water's surface.

Primary Foods

mosquitoes
flies
ants
small beetles
aphids

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

Bullfrog

Lithobates catesbeianus

Frogs are common predators in their habitat.

eaten by

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Fish will snatch them from below the surface.

hunts

Common House Mosquito

Culex pipiens

They prey on mosquito adults that land on water.

eaten by

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

Ducks sometimes eat them from the water.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Gliding

Watch as animals take a graceful leap and soar through the air without flapping their wings! They use special flaps of skin or body shapes to glide from one spot to another.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Freshwater

Discover animals and plants that live in non-salty water, like rivers, lakes, and ponds! These watery homes are vibrant with life.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.