Common Pond Skater (gerris lacustris)

We usually see pond skaters on the pond at Scotswood Garden. They are easy to identify because of the way they stand on the thin layer on top of the water. This layer is called the meniscus. Pond skaters are very light and use their four back legs to spread their weight. They also have water repellent feet.

The hairs on their feet are very sensitive and can detect any movement or ripples on the water. This helps them to find prey which is often insects which have fallen into the water by accident. Their back legs are used to quickly row or paddle their way across the top of the water, whilst their very front legs are used for catching prey.

Most species can fly but some only produce young which can fly in the autumn when they all leave the pond to semi hibernate in the surrounding plants.