Perhaps it is not an oddity for someone to try to imagine that he can walk on water when he sees these insects walking easily on water - wasn't it a fun fact when it was said that scientists study them in the hope of finding hydrophobic materials and helping things move faster on water (I read that here).
In fact, the insects not only walk easily, but also they slide very fast there. Science has found that they often move at a speed of 1 meter per second or even faster. It is actually an observable reality, so I also have a very hard time getting their picture clearly. But the few times I come across them, I always try to take pictures of them. I took these pictures when they were swarming in still water or a very slow current along a river bank.
(The black spots visible on the surface of the water are the Water Striders taking shelter under bamboo leaves in a calm stream.)
It was amazing to watch the three sets of legs of them skate to and fro. The three sets of legs are front, middle and back. These legs allow them to evenly distribute body weight over a large surface area and adapt to water movement. The longer hind legs are like a rudder. The middle legs are used for rowing, while the front legs are for catching the prey of various insects that fall into the water as well as sensors for various vibrations of water ripples. Those legs are actually the secret of the Water Striders ability to walk on water. On their legs there are small hairs that are hydrophobic, which repel water and catch air. One more thing they use to walk on water is the surface tension of the water above which there is only air where a very fine membrane is formed and that is used by the Water Striders to walk.
With such abilities, they always managed to dodge when I approached, and returned to where they were when I was away. I've also noticed they don't like heat. They often take shelter in the shade of tree leaves. Once I was able to shoot them up a little closer was the exception, and that too nearly failed.
(And this is a river in Aceh where I take pictures of them.)
"My blog is my journal" (short notes containing experiences about various things).
Thank you for visiting.