Water Strider

Description:

Water Strider is a true bug that can run across the surface of water. It lives on ponds and slow-running streams. It rarely goes underwater. The underside of the body is covered with water-repellent hair. The water striders have a three-part body (head, thorax and abdomen), six jointed legs, and two antennae. It has a long, dark, narrow body. The long, middle legs move this bug across the surface on the water like paddles. The long hind legs steer them and act as brakes. The short front legs are used to catch prey. Gerris remigis grows slightly longer than .5 inches (or ~14-18mm), and is dark brown to black in colour. It has a sharp rostrum that it uses to pierce the body of its prey and suck out the insides.

Habitat:

Gerris remigis generally inhabit surfaces of calm waters. The majority of water striders inhabit freshwater areas, with the exception of Halobates. Gerridae prefer an environment abundant with insects or zooplankton and one that contains several rocks or plants to oviposit eggs on. It has been studied by prevalence of water striders in varying environments, that water striders most prefer waters around 25 degrees Celsius. Any water temperature lower than 22 degrees Celsius is unfavorable. They are presented in, Canada, U.S.A., Africa, S. America, Australia, China, Thailand,Malaysia and other countries in SE Asia zone.

Notes:

They're in the pond in my house. I used to found them in a small group.