Water striders use the high surface tension of water and long, hydrophobic legs to help them stay above water. Gerridae species use this surface tension to their advantage through their highly adapted legs …

Water strider, any insect of the family Gerridae (order Heteroptera), which numbers about 350 species. Water striders, often seen running or skating in groups over the surface of a pond or stream, are …

Water striders are small insects that are adapted for life on top of still water, using surface tension to their advantage so they can “walk on water.” Water acts different at the surface.

Jul 30, 2024 · They are etched with grooves which trap air and take advantage of the natural membrane-like quality of water surface-tension. Many insects immediately sink under their own body weight, but …

Water striders capture prey insects and suck their juices. Often, they eat land insects that have accidentally fallen into the water. Broad-shouldered water striders, members of the Veliidae family, …

Aug 23, 2025 · Water striders are fascinating insects that can glide effortlessly across the surface of ponds, lakes, and streams. Using their long legs and water-repellent bodies, they move with …

Jan 31, 2025 · Because water has a high surface tension and the insect has hairy legs, a Water Strider is able to coast across the surface without breaking the attractive bonds between each water molecule.