Water strider

Gerridae · family group

AdultFind the right habitat

This insect skates across still water. Its short front legs catch prey while the long legs support it.

Little clues

Three things to notice.

Out in the world

Around southeastern Wisconsin

Calm ponds and streams.

Look closely. Leave your tiny neighbor where you found it.

A closer look

It can look like a spider, but it has six legs. The short front pair holds food while the longer legs move it around.

A special find can be hard to spot without being biologically rare. Encounters depend on season and habitat.

For curious grownups, too

Original summaries, with references for deeper reading. Field notes are being checked against the supplied research.

Make a bug slide

Front artwork is made for a 3-inch clear disc. Revised artwork still needs a physical check. Reverse QR files use the confirmed permanent website.