Aquarius
Schellenberg, 1800
Species Guides
5- Aquarius amplus
- Aquarius conformis
- Aquarius nebularis
- Aquarius remigis(common water strider)
- Aquarius remigoides
Aquarius is a of water striders in the Gerridae. The subgenus was elevated to generic rank in 1990 based on phylogenetic analysis. in this genus are aquatic insects that inhabit the surface of freshwater bodies. They are predatory true bugs that use surface tension to walk on water.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aquarius: //əˈkwɛ.ɹi.əs//
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Identification
Aquarius can be distinguished from other gerrid by phylogenetically supported morphological characters established in the 1990 revision. The genus was separated from Gerris based on cladistic analysis. Specific diagnostic features require examination of genitalia and other structural details.
Images
Habitat
Freshwater surface including ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. Occupies the air-water interface where surface tension supports locomotion.
Diet
Predatory, feeding on insects and other small arthropods that fall onto the water surface.
Behavior
Skates on water surface using middle and hind legs, with front legs modified for prey capture. Mates on the water surface.
Ecological Role
at the air-water interface; contributes to top-down control of terrestrial insects that fall into aquatic systems.
Human Relevance
Subject of ecological and behavioral research on water surface locomotion and mating systems. No direct economic importance documented.
Similar Taxa
- GerrisFormerly included Aquarius as a subgenus; separated in 1990 based on phylogenetic analysis. Similar in general appearance and use.
- LimnoporusAnother gerrid with similar aquatic surface-dwelling habit; requires morphological examination for distinction.