The Gerridae are a family of insects in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as water striders, water skeeters, water scooters, water bugs, pond skaters, water skippers, water gliders, water skimmers or puddle flies. Consistent with the classification of the Gerridae as true bugs, gerrids have mouthparts evolved for piercing and sucking, and distinguish themselves by having the unusual ability to walk on water, making them pleuston (surface-living) animals. They are anatomically built to transfer their weight to be able to run on top of the water's surface. As a result, one could likely find water striders present in any pond, river, or lake. Over 1,700 species of gerrids have been described, 10% of them being marine.
Aquarius remigis, known as the common water strider, is a species of aquatic bug. It was formerly known as Gerris remigis, but the subgenus Aquarius was elevated to generic rank in 1990 on the basis of phylogenetic analysis. Aquarius remigis is found throughout North America, but is most prevalent in the mid-west of the United States.
Aquarius najas, also known as the river skater, is a European species of water strider. It was formerly known as Gerris najas, but the subgenus Aquarius was elevated to generic rank in 1990 on the basis of phylogenetic analysis.
Tachygerrini is a tribe of water striders containing 21 species in 2 genera. In addition to the two extant genera, Eurygerris and Tachygerris, Andersen included the extinct genus Eurygerris within the Tachygerrini.
Gerrini is a tribe of water striders containing over 160 species in 12 genera.
Gerroidea is a superfamily of semiaquatic bugs in the order Hemiptera. There are at least 3 families and more than 2,000 described species in Gerroidea.
Gerris is a bug genus in the family Gerridae.
Aquarius is a genus of water striders found predominantly in the northern hemisphere. Formerly a subgenus, Aquarius was elevated to generic rank in 1990 on the basis of phylogenetic analysis. These are among the world's largest water striders, with females averaging 12–17 mm (0.47–0.67 in) long and males roughly 10–30% smaller, depending on the exact species. An outlier is A. elongatus where both sexes typically are about 24 mm (0.94 in), roughly the same as certain Cylindrostethus, and second only to Gigantometra gigas.
Hesperotingis fuscata is a species of lace bug in the family Tingidae. It is found in North America.
Tingini is a tribe of lace bugs in the family Tingidae. There are at least 250 genera and 2,400 described species in Tingini.
Acalypta parvula is a species of lace bug in the family Tingidae. It is found in Africa, Europe and Northern Asia, and North America.
Tingis is a genus of lace bugs in the family Tingidae. There are at least 130 described species in Tingis.
Acalypta cooleyi, or Cooley's tingid, is a species of lace bug in the family Tingidae. It is found in Europe and Northern Asia, North America, and Southern Asia.
Corythucha marmorata, the chrysanthemum lace bug, is a species of lace bug in the family Tingidae. It is found in Central America and North America.
Dictyla echii is a species of lace bug in the family Tingidae. It is found in Africa, Europe and Northern Asia, North America, and Southern Asia.
Limnoporus is a genus of water striders in the family Gerridae. There are six extant described species in Limnoporus.
Rheumatobates rileyi is a species of water strider in the family Gerridae. It is found in North America. The genus Rheumatobates is characterized by males having antennae with hook like structures. Males grab females around the head using the antennae and lift them off the water surface. The hind femur appears twisted and a dense cluster of hears are found on the hind femur and tibia in males.
Aquarius conformis is a species of water strider in the family Gerridae. It is found in eastern North America from Quebec west to Wisconsin and south to Florida and Mexico.
Gerris buenoi is a species of water strider that belongs to the family Gerridae. It was first identified in 1911 and is native to continental USA and Canada. Individuals of this species are small in size and have modified appendages, allowing them to float and "skate" along the surface of the water. G. buenoi can be found near the shoreline of freshwater ponds and small lakes, where they hunt for terrestrial insects that have fallen into the water.
