The pond skater, common water strider (Gerris lacustris)
belongs to the order Hemiptera (true bugs), suborder Heteroptera.
The main feature of the order is the mouthparts which are of the piercing/sucking type.
Apart from the front pair, which are short and stubby and with which it holds its prey, its legs are elongated ,which like its body, are covered in tiny hairs. It can stand on and move across the surface of the water with its non-wetting legs, relying on the surface tension for support. Gerris is a carnivore that hunts for insects on the surface of the water and can detect slight vibrations caused by prey landing or falling on the water. It can travel at a speed of 1.5m/s across the water's surface.
The above specimens were observed in a drainage ditch on Darwen Moor, Lancashire,UK, 9/5/10.
Excellent photo again. Mike
ReplyDeleteHi there, I am hoping to identify a species of pond skater, I think it may be G.lacustris. Would I be able to email you a photograph for your opinion?
ReplyDeleteMany thanks.