Common Water Strider vs Horned Aphid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Water Strider | Horned Aphid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aquarius remigis | Tuberaphis styraci |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Gerridae | Hormaphididae |
| Size | 11-16 mm | 1-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Throughout North America | Japan, East Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Common Water Strider
A slender dark brown insect that skates across the surface of streams and ponds using water surface tension. Its long middle and hind legs distribute its weight over the water film.
Did You Know?
Tiny hydrophobic hairs on its legs trap air and repel water, allowing it to stand on the surface without breaking through.
Horned Aphid
A social aphid from East Asia that forms colonies defended by sterile soldier nymphs with horned heads. They live on styrax trees and produce a single soldier caste.
Did You Know?
Soldiers stab intruders with their sharp horns and inject a toxic secretion, dying in the process like a honeybee's suicide sting.