Surface-locomotion
Guides
Gerrinae
Typical Water Striders
Gerrinae is a subfamily of water striders (Gerridae) comprising thirteen extant genera in two tribes, plus three fossil genera. Members are characterized by long, slender bodies and hydrophobic leg microhairs that enable locomotion on water surfaces. The subfamily includes some of the best-known gerrid species and the largest water strider, Gigantometra gigas. Gerrinae species inhabit inland freshwaters and some brackish environments, with documented adaptations to different flow regimes.