You are here:

Pond Skater


Pondskater, courtesy of Paul Keene - avico.co.uk

Pond skaters are thin, brown or grey insects that float on the surface of ponds and still waters hunting for prey.

Their legs are covered in fine, extremely sensitive, water-repellent hairs that sense vibrations and ripples on the surface of the water. When an insect accidentally falls in the water and struggles, the ripples it creates tell the pond skater whereabouts it is. The pond skater then uses its legs to quickly ‘skate’ across the water and capture its prey.

Aside from small insects, pond skaters will also hunt nymphs of their own species. They have beak-like mouths with sharp piercing ends and sucking mouth parts, which they use to hold insects and suck out their fluids.

Pond skaters are mainly seen between late April and October, and during the winter they’ll fly far from water to hibernate.

Facts

Appearance: Pond skaters are thin insects, usually dark brown or grey in colour, with round eyes that protrude from the side of their head

Size: Around 15 – 20mm long

Weight: 0.1 millinewtons

Lifespan: Several months

Diet: Small insects and pond skater nymphs

Family: Gerridae

Did you know?

  • Pond skaters are very agile insects and have the ability to jump to avoid predators.
  • During winter, pond skaters can often be found hibernating together in sheltered places, such as garden sheds.
  • Pond skaters use surface tension to walk on water.