Common Water Strider

Aquarius remigis

"Aquarius remigis", known as the common water strider, is a species of aquatic bug. "Aquarius remigis" is found throughout North America, but is most prevalent in the mid-west of the United States.
Water Strider - Aquarius remigis Habitat: Small pond Aquarius,Aquarius remigis,Common Water Strider,Geotagged,Spring,United States,aquatic insect,gerris

Appearance

"Aquarius remigis" grows slightly longer than 0.5 inches, and is dark brown to black in color. It has a sharp rostrum that it uses to pierce the body of its prey and suck out the insides.
Common Water Strider - Aquarius remigis TL: ~15 mm. This area was full of water striders, and like this pair, most were mating. Most A. remigis adults are wingless. Habitat: Stream and pond in a wetland Water striders are assisted in walking on water by water-repellent hairs on their feet. They also have claws inserted up above the foot, rather than at the end of the foot. The surface of the water is like a spider's web for water striders. If any unlucky insect breaks the surface tension of the water, it sends a ripple across the surface, thus attracting these super fast insects to race over and eat the unfortunate insect. Aquarius remigis,Geotagged,Gerridae,Spring,United States,common water strider,water strider

Naming

It was formerly known as "Gerris remigis", but the subgenus "Aquarius" was elevated to generic rank in 1990 on the basis of phylogenetic analysis.
Water Striders - Aquarius remigis A lovely couple. Habitat: Small pond Aquarius,Aquarius remigis,Common Water Strider,Geotagged,Spring,United States,water striders

Behavior

They normally continue to move to avoid being eaten by predators. It has good vision, and can row quickly over the surface of the water. It uses its front legs to seize its prey.

During breeding season, this species can communicate with potential mates by sending ripples over on the surface of the water.

Adult females normally lay their eggs on plant stems at the water's edge.

Food

This predatory species feeds on mosquito larvae living under the surface, and dead insects on the surface, and other insects that accidentally land on the water.

References:

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Status: Least concern
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassInsecta
OrderHemiptera
FamilyGerridae
GenusAquarius
SpeciesA. remigis
Photographed in
United States of America