Species Aquarius remigis

Gerris remigis Say, 1832

Gerris nyctalis Drake & Hottes, 1925

Aquarius remigis (Say 1832)

11.5-16 mm(1)

hind tibia at least 4 times length of first hind tarsal segment; connexival spines prominent; pronotum dull; first antennal segment subequal to combined length of antennal segments two and three; greatest width across mesoacetabula (middle leg "hip sockets") more than or equal to 0.25 times body length

adults almost always wingless(2)

throughout NA, but uncommon across the se US - Map (1)(3); the most common and widespread water strider of our fauna (Drake & Harris 1928)

see remarks on species group

on ponds and lakes in the west and on rivers and streams in the east(4)

Mosquito larvae and other insects.

Faces a conflict when deciding which habitat refuge to use when responding to predators. Predation by sunfish (Lepomis) means these bugs need to retreat to the stream banks. But they must move away from those banks when avoiding fishing spiders (Dolomedes).

See remarks on A. remigis group

Drake, C.J. and Harris, H.M. (1928) Concerning Some North American Water-Striders with descriptions of three new species. (Full PDF)