Group 17: Water Bugs - Surface-Dwelling

Estimated Time For Lesson: 3 minutes

ID Notes

Water Bugs - Surface-Dwelling are found on top of the water’s surface.

Surface-dwelling water bugs are aquatic insects that live and move on the surface of the water, using surface tension to stay afloat.

They have 3 pairs of long, slender legs that spread their weight to ‘walk on water’
They have tube-like mouthparts or a beak
Their forewings, when present, are partially hardened to form overlapping wing cases, making a cross shape on their back.

They move quickly across the surface with a rowing motion of their middle legs.

Photo credit: Dr Cyril Bennet MBE

Keep an eye out for surface-dwelling water bugs gliding over the calm, sunny waters along sheltered lake margins.

They feed on dead or struggling insects on the surface. As predators they catch insects that fall onto the water by detecting vibrations.