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Pond skater, SEM
Pond skater. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a pond skater (Gerris lacustris). Pond skaters move by skating over the surface tension film on ponds and streams. They move by making rowing motions with their middle legs, laid flat on the water. The hindlegs steer while the forelegs are used for catching prey. The movement is jerky often with jumps to considerable distances, but the surface of the water is never broken. These insects have compound eyes (red), and bodies covered with silver, water repellent hairs. They feed by stabbing prey through the water surface with strong, sucking mouthparts. Magnification: x8 when printed 10 centimetres wide.
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