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Gerris sp.
One main characteristic that sets gerrids and other true bugs apart from other insects is that the front wing is only half functional. Rather than using it for flight, it acts as a membranous covering and the thickened part is by where claws develop. Consistent with the classification of Gerridae as true bugs, gerrids have a mouthpart evolved for piercing and sucking, Gerrids distinguish themselves by having the unique ability to walk on water. Gerridae, or water striders, are anatomically built to transfer their weight to be able to run on top of the water's surface. As a result, one could likely find water striders present in any pond, river, or lake. Scientists have identified over 1,700 species of Gerrids, 10% of them being marine.
3 Comments
Sometimes I just have to visit your spottings ;) They are all so cool! I'm gonna be visiting all your spottings, just need time since there are so many ;) Wonderful captures, all that I've seen so far. Cannot stop staring :)
Thanks Maria - how did you come on this early pic..? :)
cool photo!