Insect
Eurasian Common Pond Skater
Gerris lacustrisAlso known as Common Pond Skater, Common Water Strider
Eurasian common pond skaters are slender dark insects whose water-repellent legs distribute their weight across the surface film. They sense ripples through their feet and rush across still water to seize insects trapped at the surface.
water stridersurface hunterpond insect
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyMidges, mosquitoes, springtails
Predators
- fish
- frogs
- dragonfly nymphs
ThreatsWater pollution, pesticide runoff, wetland drainage, drought, and loss of sheltered margins
HabitatsPonds, canals, ditches, lake margins, and quiet sections of slow streams
Life spanUsually less than one year, with adults of some generations overwintering
Classification
- FamilyGerridae
- SpeciesGerris lacustris
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Do not disturb the water film with nets, chemicals, or repeated splashing near feeding insects.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Look for long middle and hind legs dimpling the water surface.
- Watch: Follow converging ripples when a skater detects struggling prey.
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