Common Pond Skater vs Small Milkweed Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Pond Skater | Small Milkweed Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aquarius najas | Lygaeus kalmii |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Gerridae | Lygaeidae |
| Size | 14-17 mm | 10-12 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Grasslands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | North America |
| 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.
Small Milkweed Bug
A boldly patterned red-and-black seed bug that feeds on milkweed seeds and sequesters toxic cardiac glycosides. Its warning coloration advertises its chemical defense to predators.
Did You Know?
It stores milkweed toxins in its body, making it taste terrible to birds and other predators that try to eat it.