Gerris buenoi

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Gerromorpha
Superfamily: Gerroidea
Family: Gerridae
Subfamily: Gerrinae
Genus: Gerris
Species: buenoi

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gerris buenoi: /ˈdʒɛrɪs bwaɪˈnoʊi/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Summary

Gerris buenoi is a common species of water strider native to North America, inhabiting still and slow-moving waters. Its adaptations for life on the water surface enable it to hunt and evade predators efficiently.

Physical Characteristics

Grayish-brown body; males 6.6-7.5 mm and females 7.6-8.1 mm; pronotum with pale middorsal line and distinct whitish lateral stripes; polymorphic with various wing forms; elongated mid-legs for skating on water; raptorial front legs for prey capture.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive pale arrow-shaped markings on the mesothorax of fifth instar nymphs; adults can vary in wing morphology, being long-winged, short-winged, or wingless.

Habitat

Slow-moving or still waters across North America, often among thick vegetation like bullrushes, tall grasses, and lily pads along shorelines.

Distribution

Transcontinental in southern Canada and northern US, extending south to Colorado and California.

Diet

Predaceous, primarily feeding on terrestrial insects that have fallen into the water; captures prey with raptorial front legs.

Life Cycle

Hemimetabolous with five nymph stages; generations last approximately one year, with about two months to reach adulthood after hatching.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid underwater on vegetation; females control mating; convenience polyandry and cannibalism occur under food scarcity; underwater basking behavior observed.

Predators

Common predators include fishing spiders, diving beetle larvae, dragonfly naiads, and backswimmers; also subject to cannibalism among conspecifics.

Ecosystem Role

Gerris buenoi participates in the aquatic food web, preying on insects and serving as prey for larger predators.

Collecting Methods

Net sampling in aquatic habitats
Observation near shorelines of ponds and lakes

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation for genetic studies
Mounting on pins for morphological studies

Evolution

G. buenoi shares a common lineage with other Gerris species, exhibiting adaptations that enable survival in aquatic environments.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Many believe all water striders are the same; G. buenoi has distinct characteristics and behaviors that differentiate it from other species.