THE XERCES SOCIETY FOR INVERTEBRATE CONSERVATION

Aquatic Invertebrates in Pacific Northwest Freshwater Wetlands
An Identification Guide and Educational Resource

The familiar Gerridae are easily seen skating around on the surface of almost any non-turbulent water, from wetlands to margins and pools of streams to the open ocean. They have a number of common names, including water skaters and wherrymen, but are best known as water striders. These water surface dwellers are often found in large congregations, like the similar riffle bugs (Vellidae) or the whirligig beetles (Gyrinidae).

Water striders are similar to the Veliidae; their claws project at the side of their front legs, before the tip of the leg (preapical claws). The main difference is that the Gerridae have very long back and middle legs. The femur reaches past the end of the abdomen when the leg is extended. The antennae are long and prominent.