Animal Profiles
Insects

Water strider

Gerridae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Water striders are insects that use the water surface as a hunting platform. This account follows Aquarius remigis, as described in the Missouri field guide.

Aquarius remigis, the representative described in this account.

Aquarius remigis, the representative described in this account.

Bruce J. Marlin · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Aquarius remigis uses streams, ponds and other freshwater habitats.
Habitat
Rivers and lakes, Wetlands
Diet
Insectivore
Food
Insects trapped at the surface provide prey, and dead animals may also be scavenged.

Classification

Common name
Water strider
Browse group
Insects
Scientific name or taxon
Gerridae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Hemiptera
Family
Gerridae
Source classification
Insecta

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Water-repellent hairs support it.
  • Ripples help reveal prey.
  • It is an insect with six legs.

Habitat and range

Aquarius remigis uses streams, ponds and other freshwater habitats. Calm or sheltered surface patches provide places to move and detect food; the cited account describes its Missouri occurrence.

Appearance and adaptations

Water-repellent hairs cover the long legs and help support the insect on the surface film. The body is elongated, and piercing mouthparts form a narrow feeding tube.

Diet and behaviour

Insects trapped at the surface provide prey, and dead animals may also be scavenged. Ripples help the strider locate struggling food, which it pierces before taking up the contents.

Sources

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