Gerris comatus
Drake & Hottes, 1925
Gerris comatus is a water strider in the Gerridae, described by Drake & Hottes in 1925. It occurs in North America and has been documented as a for larval water mites (Limnochares aquatica). Two have been recognized: G. c. comatus and G. c. mickeli, though these are treated as synonyms in some taxonomic sources.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gerris comatus: /ˈdʒɛrɪs koʊˈmeɪtəs/
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Habitat
Freshwater aquatic environments
Distribution
North America; Nearctic region, excluding Beringia
Host Associations
- Limnochares aquatica - larval water mites parasitize , causing increased mortality and extended instar duration
Life Cycle
Development includes multiple instars; stages vulnerable to by larval water mites that attach during first instar and typically detach by 's fourth instar
Similar Taxa
- Gerris alacrissimilar response to by Limnochares aquatica; used as comparative in parasitism studies
- Gerris buenoicongeneric with greater mortality under comparable mite loads; used as comparative species in parasitism studies
More Details
Subspecies
Two have been described: Gerris comatus comatus Drake & Hottes, 1925 and Gerris comatus mickeli Drake & Hottes, 1925. The Catalogue of Life lists G. c. comatus as a synonym, suggesting taxonomic revision may be needed.
Parasitism Research
Laboratory studies indicate that by larval Limnochares aquatica mites significantly increases mortality and developmental time, with effects most severe during the first instar. Mite load correlates directly with mortality risk and instar duration.