Gerridae

Water striders

Family recognized by
IUCN Red List Status: NOT EVALUATED external link Showing: scientific names

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Gerridae

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Gerridae
Gerris thoracicus
Gerris thoracicus
Gerris thoracicus
Gerris lacustris (Linnaeus, 1758)
Gerris gibbifer Schummel, 1832
Gerris gibbifer Schummel, 1832
Gerris gibbifer Schummel, 1832
Aquarius paludum (Fabricius, 1794)

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Legs detect small vibrations for communication: water strider

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© The Biomimicry Institute.
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©2008-2009, The Biomimicry Institute
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March 03, 2010

 

The legs of water striders detect minute vibrations on the water's surface thanks to nerve sensors.

     
  "Using the surface tension of the water, water striders stand up on their long, skinny legs and send out vibrations that travel along the surface. Because each leg has nerve sensors that can detect slight waves, water striders are able to communicate with one another in this way." (Forsyth 1992:44)
  Learn more about this functional adaptation.
References
  • Forsyth, A. 1992. Exploring the World of Insects: The Equinox Guide to Insect Behaviour. Camden House.
"Gerridae". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/588". Accessed 02 Sep 2010.