Water striders walk on water or breathe under it, have wild bursts of speed and paralyze their prey

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OKemppainen A water strider spreads out it weight to rest on the water’s surface.

We can use boats, skis, rafts and other devices to propel ourselves across the water, but at least 1,200 other species can walk on water without aid. The water strider is one of the most common creatures to perform this feat. This half-inch insect, also called a pond skater, water skipper or Jesus bug, is able to use its amazing legs to walk across the water’s surface.

Water striders can do more than just walk on water. They can stand still on water, they can scoot across it, they can even jump on top of it – all without breaking the surface.

Becca