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Pond Skater — printable fact sheet
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Pond Skater
Gerris lacustris
The pond skater, also known as the common water strider, is a slender insect famous for its ability to walk on the surface of water. Its long, hydrophobic legs distribute its weight, allowing it to glide effortlessly across ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. Pond skaters are…
Did you know?
- Pond skaters can survive on both still and gently flowing waters, and even temporarily withstand being submerged if disturbed.
- Pond skaters can rapidly accelerate and change direction on water, thanks to specialized hairs on their legs that repel water. They 'row' with their middle legs while the hind legs steer, making them agile hunters. Some species can even fly short distances to colonize new bodies of water.
What I learned
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