Water Striders
Gerridae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Gerromorpha
- Superfamily: Gerroidea
- Family: Gerridae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gerridae: //ˈd͡ʒɛrɪdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Gerridae, commonly known as water striders, are a family of insects capable of walking on water due to their elongated legs, hydrophobic body surface, and unique adaptations for weight distribution.
Physical Characteristics
Hydrofuge hairpiles, retractable preapical claws, elongated legs and body. Hydrofuge hairpiles are small, hydrophobic microhairs that provide water resistance. They typically range in size from 3 to 16 mm long, but can reach up to 36 mm in some species.
Identification Tips
Antennae with four segments, with segment I longer and stockier than the remaining three. The thorax is long and narrow, and some species exhibit wing polymorphism.
Habitat
Surfaces of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams or rivers when water is not frozen. Prefer warm waters around 25 °C (77 °F).
Distribution
Worldwide, with a significant presence in North America, Europe, South America, Africa, Australia, China, and Malaysia. No known species have been identified in New Zealand waters.
Diet
Predators feeding primarily on invertebrates, mainly insects and spiders that fall onto the water surface. They inject salivary enzymes into prey to digest them externally.
Life Cycle
Undergoes metamorphosis with an egg stage, five instar nymph stages, and adult stage. Each nymph stage lasts 7-10 days, with total development from egg to adult taking about 60-70 days depending on water temperature.
Reproduction
Females typically lay 2 to 20 eggs on submerged rocks or vegetation. They reproduce all year in tropical regions and during warm months in temperate habitats. Overwintering occurs at the adult stage in colder climates.
Predators
Birds (such as petrels and terns), some fish, and occasionally other water striders through cannibalism, particularly nymphs.
Ecosystem Role
Aquatic predators that help control populations of invertebrates, contributing to the balance of aquatic ecosystems.
Cultural Significance
Water striders are referenced in popular culture, including the video game Super Mario 64 as 'Skeeter' enemies.
Collecting Methods
- Surface skimming nets
- Hand collection from calm water surfaces
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Drying specimens
Evolution
Molecular analysis suggests that the family Gerridae originated about 128 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. They have independently evolved wing polymorphism multiple times, which is significant for their dispersal and adaptation.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with other aquatic insects; their ability to walk on water is unique and due to specific adaptations.
Tags
- insects
- water striders
- ecology
- habitat
- predators
- reproduction