| Found throughout North America, there are 47 species and 8 genera. Larvae and adults range from 3-16 mm in length and can be found on the surface of temporary or permanent ponds, and in slow-moving areas of rivers and streams. Feeding on small insects, dead or alive,Gerridae are predator feeders.
Gerridae uses the small hairs on its body and legs for moving across the wate surface. The head is usually elongated in front of the eyes to form a rostrum. The development of the wings can vary significantly within the population. They can move very quickly, up to 1.5 meters per second. They paddle forward with the middle pair of their legs, using fore- and hind-legs as a rudder. |
