Species Insects & ArthropodsWater Strider

Water Strider

Gerris marginatus

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Water Strider (Gerris marginatus)

The Water Strider is a slender, dark insect with water-repellent feet that allow it to walk and run on the water surface, dimpling but never breaking the surface film. It detects prey — insects that fall into the water — by sensing the ripples they create. Long-distance movement between water bodies occurs by flight at night.

Habitat
Ponds, streams, lakes, and slow rivers
Diet
Adults and nymphs: insects and small invertebrates trapped on the water surface
How common
Common

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