Numbers
47 species in 8 genera in North America (
nearctica.com)
Identification
hind femur longer than abdomen (a distinguishing character that separates Gerridae from other small aquatic bug families)
Habitat
surface of temporary or permanent ponds, and slow-moving areas of streams and rivers
Season
year-round in the south; whenever water is not frozen in the north
Food
small living or dead insects on the water surface
Remarks
hairs on the underside of the tarsi enable the insect to walk on the water's surface
See Also
in other families of surface-dwelling aquatic bugs, the hind femur is not longer than the abdomen
Internet References
live adult image of
Aquarius remigis by Rob Curtis, plus other info (Steven Taylor, U. of Illinois)
live adult image of
Gerris buenoi (Nevada Dept. of Agriculture)
Contributed by
Troy Bartlett on 16 February, 2004 - 12:32pm
Additional contributions by
Robin McLeodLast updated 2 June, 2007 - 3:17am
