Gerrinae

Leach, 1815

Typical Water Striders

Gerrinae is a of () comprising thirteen extant in two tribes, plus three fossil genera. Members are characterized by long, slender bodies and hydrophobic leg microhairs that enable on water surfaces. The subfamily includes some of the best-known gerrid and the largest water strider, Gigantometra gigas. Gerrinae species inhabit inland freshwaters and some brackish environments, with documented to different flow regimes.

Limnoporus dissortis by (c) threelark, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by threelark. Used under a CC-BY license.

Aquarius by (c) Robert Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Robert Taylor. Used under a CC-BY license.

Aquarius by (c) Matthew Pintar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matthew Pintar. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gerrinae: /ˈɡɛrɪnaɪ/

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Identification

Gerrinae can be distinguished from Halobatinae by leg microstructure and patterns: Gerrinae species inhabiting slow-flowing or stagnant waters exhibit slower leg speed attainment and more symmetric midleg dimple formation during striding. The is distinguished from Cylindrostethinae and Ptilomerinae primarily by body proportions and genitalic characters; size ranges overlap substantially.

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Habitat

Aquatic surface of inland waters including ponds and streams. Some occupy mixohaline (brackish) environments. Generally associated with slow-flowing or stagnant water conditions rather than fast-flowing or turbulent waters.

Distribution

Widespread across most of the world's freshwaters. Specific distribution varies by and .

Diet

Smaller trapped on the water surface. has been observed during food shortages, with young and weaker as victims.

Life Cycle

Development includes nymphal stages with distinct and from in at least some . Specific counts and developmental durations not documented at level.

Behavior

Uses midleg strokes in striding motion to generate thrust on water surface. Attains lower maximal leg speed more slowly compared to fast-water relatives. Typically aggregates but avoids compact group formation. Preys on surface-trapped rather than pursuing active .

Ecological Role

of small surface-dwelling in freshwater .

Similar Taxa

HalobatinaeOverlaps in general ; distinguished by faster leg speed attainment, asymmetric midleg dimple, and association with fast-flowing/turbulent waters.
CylindrostethinaeSimilar body size range; distinguished by body proportions and genitalic characters.
PtilomerinaeSimilar body size range; distinguished by body proportions and genitalic characters.

More Details

Locomotion mechanics

Midleg microstructures function differently in Gerrinae compared to fast-water relatives: water surface penetration depth and interaction with layers during thrust strokes differ between .

Notable species

Includes Gigantometra gigas, the largest .