The bug that is commonly called a pond skater belongs to the family Gerridae, which is a group of insects in the order Hemiptera. These bugs are also known by various other names such as water striders, water skeeters, water scooters, water bugs, water skippers, or water skimmers. They are fascinating creatures that have adapted to life on the surface of water bodies.
Pond skaters are unique in their ability to walk or skate on the surface of water. This is made possible by their specialized legs, which are long and slender, allowing them to distribute their weight and stay afloat. These legs are covered in hydrophobic hairs that repel water, enabling the bugs to glide effortlessly on the water’s surface.
I have had the opportunity to observe pond skaters in action during my visits to ponds and lakes. It is truly mesmerizing to watch them effortlessly glide across the water, almost as if they are skating. They can move quickly and gracefully, using their middle and hind legs to propel themselves forward. It is fascinating how they are able to navigate through the water, avoiding obstacles and even turning sharply when needed.
One interesting aspect of pond skaters is their hunting behavior. They are predators, feeding on small insects and even smaller aquatic organisms that fall onto the water’s surface. Using their sensitive front legs, they detect vibrations caused by struggling prey and quickly seize their victims with their sharp, piercing mouthparts. I have observed pond skaters capturing and devouring tiny insects that were unfortunate enough to land on the water.
Pond skaters also have the ability to mate and lay eggs on the water’s surface. The female lays her eggs in a gelatinous mass, which is attached to vegetation or other floating objects. The eggs hatch into nymphs, which resemble miniature versions of the adults and go through several molts before reaching adulthood.
In addition to their unique locomotion and hunting strategies, pond skaters also play an important role in the ecosystem. They help control populations of small insects and other aquatic organisms, contributing to the overall balance of the ecosystem. Their presence in ponds and lakes is an indicator of good water quality, as they are sensitive to pollution and disturbances.
To summarize, the bug commonly called a pond skater belongs to the family Gerridae in the order Hemiptera. These insects are also known as water striders, water skeeters, water scooters, water bugs, water skippers, or water skimmers. They have adapted to life on the water’s surface, using their specialized legs to glide effortlessly. Pond skaters are skilled hunters and important members of aquatic ecosystems. Observing them in their natural habitat is a remarkable experience that showcases the wonders of nature.