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Insects that walk on water are often predators, using the water to help them capture their prey. Some insects, like water striders, can even walk across the surface of ponds and lakes without breaking the surface tension.
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 molecules are attracted to each other and like to stay together, especially on the surface where there is only air above.
Walking on water surface. 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 skimmers or puddle flies.
Learn about the anatomy and behavior of insects and spiders that can walk on water, such as water striders, whirligig beetles, and fishing spiders. Discover how surface tension, leg length, and water repellency help them survive and hunt on the water.
Apr 10, 2017 · Learn how water striders use their legs, wings and mating rituals to survive and thrive on the water's surface. Discover how they eat mosquito larvae, avoid predators and adapt to different habitats.
Oct 13, 2023 · Water striders, fascinating insects that can walk on water, have an interesting life cycle and reproductive process. In this section, you’ll learn about the different stages in their life cycle, and how males and females contribute to the survival of their species.
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 stream, are slender, dark coloured, and generally more than 5 mm (0.2 inch) long. With their short front legs.
