Common Pond Skater vs Brown Willow Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Pond Skater | Brown Willow Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aquarius najas | Galerucella lineola |
| Order | Hemiptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Gerridae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 14-17 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Pond Skater
A large, elongate water strider that glides across the surface of flowing rivers and large ponds. It is one of the biggest European gerrid species with a dark brown body.
Did You Know?
Pond skaters communicate with potential mates and rivals by generating specific ripple patterns on the water surface, essentially sending coded messages across the water.
Brown Willow Beetle
A small brown beetle that feeds on willow leaves and can cause significant defoliation. Has been used as a biological control agent for purple loosestrife in North America.
Did You Know?
A close relative was deliberately introduced to North America as biological control for invasive purple loosestrife.