Template:Gerridae

Gerridae

Order

Hemiptera

Family

Gerridae

Common name

Water strider; pond skater

This insect may well be the single most recognizable macroinvertebrate we find. Although strictly a water-surface dweller, they still sometimes end up in our nets. Their 2 pairs of long legs keep them on top of the surface tension while their raptorial forelegs are poised to grab prey. For those taking benthic samples, these insects are not part of your data set.