Common Water Strider vs Water Treader
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Water Strider | Water Treader |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aquarius remigis | Mesovelia mulsanti |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Gerridae | Mesoveliidae |
| Size | 11-16 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Throughout North America | Americas, from United States to South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Water Treader
A tiny, bright green semi-aquatic bug that walks on the surface of still waters among floating vegetation. It is widespread across the Americas and is often found on lily pads and duckweed. Both winged and wingless forms exist.
Did You Know?
It hunts by detecting the tiny ripples made by struggling prey items on the water surface, running across lily pads and open water to reach them.