Limnoporus
Limnoporus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Gerromorpha
- Superfamily: Gerroidea
- Family: Gerridae
- Subfamily: Gerrinae
- Genus: Limnoporus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Limnoporus: /ˌlɪmnəˈpoʊrəs/
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Images
Summary
Limnoporus is a genus of water striders in the family Gerridae, consisting of six extant species known for their ability to skate on water surfaces. They play a role in aquatic ecosystems as both predators and prey.
Physical Characteristics
Water striders with long legs adapted for skating on the surface of water.
Identification Tips
Look for elongated bodies and long legs; they can often be seen gliding on the surface of still or slow-moving water.
Habitat
Freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, and streams.
Distribution
Holarctic region, including much of North America.
Diet
Primarily feed on small insects and organic debris that fall onto the water surface.
Life Cycle
Incomplete metamorphosis, with nymph stages resembling miniature adults.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs on the surface of the water or on aquatic vegetation.
Predators
Fish, amphibians, and other aquatic predators.
Ecosystem Role
Important as predators of small insects and as prey for larger predators.
Collecting Methods
- Netting from the water surface
- Hand collecting from aquatic vegetation
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Drying and pinning
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often mistaken for other water strider species, particularly those in the genus Gerris.
Tags
- water striders
- Hemiptera
- Gerridae
- aquatic insects