# 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.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Ponds, lakes, and slow-moving water
- **Also known as:** Skater Bug, Water Skater

![Water Strider](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424408/objects/5527.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Hemiptera
- **Family:** Gerridae

## 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 Walking Wonder:** Water Strider can glide effortlessly across water surfaces because of specialized non-wetting hairs and surface tension that helps them stay afloat.
- **Ripple Radar:** Water Strider has super sensitive legs that detect tiny vibrations and ripples on the water, helping them locate prey or sense danger.
- **Hydrodynamic Propulsion:** 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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
- [Gliding](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/gliding): Gliding animals move through the air by launching themselves and maintaining flight with specialized body structures, without flapping wings.
- [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
- [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
- [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)
- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Water Strider?

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.

### What is Water Strider's wingspan?

20-30 mm

### How big is Water Strider?

10-30 mm

### How long does Water Strider live?

60-120 days

### What does Water Strider eat?

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

### Where is Water Strider usually found?

Ponds, lakes, and slow-moving water

### How does Water Strider hunt?

Ambush

### How many legs does Water Strider have?

6

## 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*)

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Source: [Water Strider: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/water-strider)