The Gerridae are a family of insects in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as water striders, water skeeters, water scooters, water bugs, pond skaters, water skippers, water gliders, water …

Water strider, any insect of the family Gerridae (order Heteroptera), which numbers about 350 species. Water striders, often seen running or skating in groups over the surface of a pond or …

Water striders are small insects that are adapted for life on top of still water, using surface tension to their advantage so they can “walk on water.” Water acts different at the surface.

Water striders have water-repellant hairs on the hind and middle legs that allow these nimble insects to skate on the surface of the water. Velvety hairs on their bodies allow them to stay …

Jul 30, 2024 · They are etched with grooves which trap air and take advantage of the natural membrane-like quality of water surface-tension. Many insects immediately sink under their …

Jul 30, 2023 · Food living or dead insects on the water surface Remarks fine water-repellant hairs on the underside of the tarsi allow the bug to walk on water's surface (4) only the mid- and the …

Aug 23, 2025 · Water striders are fascinating insects that can glide effortlessly across the surface of ponds, lakes, and streams. Using their long legs and water-repellent bodies, they move with …

Water striders’ legs are covered with microsetae, microscopic hairs that trap tiny bubbles of air, allowing them to float on top of the water. Water striders (also commonly called pond skaters …

Jan 31, 2025 · Mating pairs may appear to be one large, eight-legged Water Strider (which also looks like an arachnid). Because water has a high surface tension and the insect has hairy …

Nov 8, 2022 · Water striders – also known as pond skaters, water skippers, Jesus bugs, or water skeeters – belong to the family Gerridae. There are over 1,700 species in this family, many of …