Water Striders (Aquarius remigis)

The Graceful Gliders of the Water's Surface

If you’ve ever spotted a small insect skating effortlessly across the surface of a pond or canal, chances are you’ve encountered a Water Strider (Aquarius remigis). These fascinating aquatic insects possess the remarkable ability to "walk on water," thanks to their long, slender legs covered with microscopic hairs. As agile surface predators, they thrive in freshwater habitats—chasing down prey with speed and precision unmatched by most insects.

Basic Information

• Common Name: Water Striders
• Scientific Name: Aquarius remigis
• Family: Gerridae
• Order: Hemiptera

Morphology & Biology

Wings:

• Forewings: Hemelytra (hardened base, thin tips)
• Hindwings: Membranous

Legs:

• Second and third pairs are elongated and slender
• Covered with microsetae (fine hairs)
• Traps air to create surface tension and prevent sinking

Unique Adaptations & Behavior

• Capable of walking or running on water using surface tension
• Inhabit calm freshwater surfaces such as ponds, ditches, and small lakes
• Uses ripples on the water to detect prey and mates

Life Cycle (Incomplete Metamorphosis)

• Incubation: ~7–10 days

• Development to adult: ~60–70 days

• Average lifespan: ~10–20 days

Total life cycle: ~2–3 weeks

Diet & Hunting Behavior

Main Diet:

• Mosquito larvae
• Small aquatic insects
• Micro-crustaceans

Predatory Behavior:

• Uses front legs to snatch prey
• Pierces with piercing-sucking mouthparts
• Feeds by extracting body fluids from its prey

Global Distribution

Water Striders are found worldwide, particularly abundant in tropical and subtropical regions, including:

• The Americas
• Africa
• South Asia
• Southeast Asia, including Thailand

Ecological Role

• Controls mosquito populations and small aquatic insect pests
• Serves as an indicator of water quality
• Not harmful to crops or plants
• Plays a vital role in maintaining surface water ecosystem balance

Did You Know?

• They don’t bite or sting
• Not poisonous
• Ideal for studying buoyancy, surface tension, and insect biomechanics

✅ Conclusion

The Water Strider (Aquarius remigis) may appear small and ordinary, but it is a remarkable example of evolutionary adaptation. With its unique locomotion, efficient predation, and ecological value, this insect plays a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems—especially in controlling mosquito populations. Whether studied for its physical adaptations or ecological importance, the Water Strider stands out as one of nature’s most graceful and efficient surface dwellers.