Pond skater by David Davis 1/2
Pond skater by Simon Harrap 2/2

Common Pond Skater Gerris lacustris

This thin brownish-black bug has long legs and large eyes and can be either winged or not. The common pond skater can be seen almost anywhere where there is fresh water.

Conservation status

Not threatened.

Related questions & advice

How can I encourage wildlife into my pond?

Details

Did you know?

Pond skaters are covered with a silvery layer of hair which is water-repellent. This allows them to 'perch' on top of the water. They use their middle and rear legs to get around on the water's surface either by running or, occasionally, hopping. The middle legs are used to push them forward while the back legs are used mainly as a rudder.

Pond skaters are insectivorous and use their feet to sense the vibrations of insects trapped by the surface tension of the water. The shorter front legs are used to catch and hold prey. The pond skater has piercing, sucking mouthparts called a rostrum or 'beak'. These are like a drinking straw with a sharp point on the end that it can use suck up the juices from its prey
 

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