Circumglobal
Guides
Halobates micans
Common Sea Skater
Halobates micans is a wingless marine water strider and the only pelagic insect genus member found in the Atlantic Ocean. It is circumglobal in tropical and subtropical seas, living exclusively at the sea-air interface. Adults measure 3.6–4.5 mm with males larger than females. The species exhibits remarkable adaptations for open ocean life including water-repellent body hairs, UV-absorbent cuticle, and exceptional skating agility. It is the most widespread Halobates species, occurring from approximately 40°N to 40°S in the Atlantic and also present in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.