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Common Pond Skater

Common Pond Skater

Gerris lacustris

A species of Water strider

Adorned with a pair of slender, elongated bodies built for skimming across water surfaces, common Pond Skater display a fine-tuned adaptation for life on liminal spaces where liquid meets air. The surface tension of water serves as their playground, with specialized hair-covered legs creating a repelling force against water molecules, thus granting them the remarkable ability to 'walk on water'. They harness their predatory instincts to feast on insects trapped on the water's surface, revealing a fascinating blend of graceful motion and ruthless feeding behavior.

General Info About Common Pond Skater
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Attributes of Common Pond Skater
Colors
Black
Bronze
White
Habitat
Pond; ditch; lake; river; stream
Adult Food Sources
Small insects, aquatic larvae, dead insects, microarthropods, spiders
Larva Food Source
Small insects, aquatic larvae, dead insects, microarthropods, organic matter
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
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Species Status of Common Pond Skater
Common
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Distribution Area of Common Pond Skater
Europe
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Life Cycle of Common Pond Skater
Egg Laid in a secure environment, the eggs of common Pond Skater are small and typically attached to submerged vegetation. Development proceeds internally as the embryo grows within the egg.
Nymph Upon hatching, the nymphs resemble miniature adults, lacking fully developed wings. Through successive molts, they increase in size, their wing pads grow, and coloration becomes more pronounced.
Adult Emerging from the final molt, the adult common Pond Skater showcases developed wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is now adapted for life on the water surface with distinct colors and patterns for mating.
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Predators of Common Pond Skater Larvae
Fish, tadpoles, aquatic insects, birds
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Predators of Adult Common Pond Skater
Birds, spiders, frogs, insects
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Interesting Facts About Common Pond Skater
Common Pond Skater can effortlessly glide on water surfaces due to hydrophobic hairs on their feet creating surface tension.
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Scientific Classification of Common Pond Skater
Tips for Finding Common Pond Skater
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Youth Habitat of Common Pond Skater
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Common Pond Skater
Freshwater Habitats
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How Can You Attract Common Pond Skater
Since common Pond Skater feeds primarily on small insects, a trap that simulates potential prey or uses small insects as bait may be used. However, trapping is not generally a common method for finding common Pond Skater due to their habitat and lifestyle.
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Habitat Preferences of Common Pond Skater Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of common Pond Skater are typically laid on vegetation near or on the water surface. Searching for these eggs requires careful examination of plant stems and leaves that are partially submerged. Nymphs thrive in the same aquatic environments but are more mobile, skimming across water surfaces near the edges of ponds, streams, and lakes. They can often be spotted on calm, sunny days when they are likely to be hunting small prey. Adult common Pond Skater are also found on water bodies like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. To find adults, look for them resting or moving quickly on the water surface, especially in areas where there are floating debris or vegetation to provide cover.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Common Pond Skater
The best time to find common Pond Skater is during warm, calm days, especially from late spring through early autumn, when they are most active and visible on the surface of the water.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Common Pond Skater
Calm, sunny weather with little to no wind is ideal for observing common Pond Skater, as they are more readily seen gliding across the surface of ponds, lakes, and streams.
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How and Where Can You Find Common Pond Skater at Different Life Stages
Egg Common Pond Skater eggs are typically laid on vegetation near or on water bodies. They can be found by examining the stems and leaves of aquatic plants.
Nymph Common Pond Skater nymphs are wingless and can be seen skating along the water surface, often in the same locations as the adults. Look for them in still or slow-moving water, such as ponds or the edges of streams and rivers.
Adult Common Pond Skater adults are also found on the surface of water. They can be identified by their skimming motion and elongated bodies. To find them, visit a calm body of water and observe the surface, preferably with binoculars, to spot them as they glide.
Are Common Pond Skater harmful?
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Common Questions People Also Ask
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