Water striders
Gerridae · Aquatic life
Whole animal · Photo: Thomas Mesaglio / CC BY
Also called Water skaters, Pond skaters, Jesus bugs, Gerrids
How to identify Water striders
- Skate on top of the water surface
- Long, thin middle and hind legs; short front legs
- Slender dark body about 1/4 to 3/4 inch
- Dimples in the surface film under each foot
Similar species
Fishing spiders also run on the surface but have eight legs. Whirligig beetles are shiny, oval and spin in circles on the surface.
Profile
| Season | Spring through fall; adults overwinter on land in leaf litter. |
|---|---|
| Starts | Appear on warm spring days as water reaches about 50 F |
| Depth | On the water surface |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Winged adults fly between waters |
| Habitat | Calm surfaces of ponds, lakes, slow streams, canals and puddles, often in groups along shaded edges. |
Why it matters in a lake
Harmless predators and scavengers that eat insects falling onto the water. Soaps, oils or surfactants that break the surface film can drown them.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Common
- Oregon: Common
- Wyoming: Common
Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Hemiptera |
| Family | Gerridae |
| Scientific name | Gerridae |
Midge larvae (bloodworms)
Mosquito larvae
Dragonfly nymphs
Damselfly nymphs
Water boatmen
Backswimmers
Predaceous diving beetles
Mayfly nymphs
Caddisfly larvae
Giant water bugsNeed a hand?
Found it in your lake?
Send us a photo and we will identify it and tell you what it means for your lake.
Idaho / Wyoming (208) 501-4531Oregon (541) 280-0596