THE XERCES SOCIETY FOR INVERTEBRATE CONSERVATION

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

Gerridae
(water striders)

the femur of the middle and hind legs is very long and reaches well past the end of the abdomen when the leg is extended

Saldidae
(shore bugs)
Body is compact and the wing tips veins create a pattern of 4 or 5 similar-sized cells; the eyes are very large in proportion to the head and bulge out to the sides.

Veliidae
(riffle bugs, broad shouldered water striders)

the femur of the hind leg is fairly long but doesn't reach past the end of the abdomen when the leg is extended