Water Striders

Family Gerridae

Gerris comatus. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Water striders are predaceous and feed on insects that fall onto the water surface. They are common on quiet water in small coves or protected areas. They are restricted to fresh water except for one genus that lives on the surface of the ocean. The tarsal structure enables a water strider to skate on the surface of the water. If the tarsi become wet the insect cannot stay on the surface of the water and will drown unless it can crawl up on a dry surface. Water striders can jump a considerable distance both on land and on water.