Water Strider
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
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.
Ability
Ripple Radar
Water Strider has super sensitive legs that detect tiny vibrations and ripples on the water, helping them locate prey or sense danger.
Ability
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
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Gliding
Gliding animals move through the air by launching themselves and maintaining flight with specialized body structures, without flapping wings.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
Skater BugWater Skater
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
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
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