NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/581251
NOVEMBER 2015 • NEBRASKAland 37 water skippers and the biblical reference "jesus bugs." There are more than 1,700 species of gerrids and they are commonly seen throughout the continental United States and other locations throughout the world. Because of their ability to walk on water, water striders have been the subject of ample research. Their highly adapted legs and distributed weight allow them to capitalize on the surface tension of water to float. Surface tension is created where liquid meets air because water molecules attract to each other better than they do to molecules in the atmosphere above. In essence, it's like an extremely thin elastic membrane that covers the water's surface. The bugs can be ferocious. While their diet includes dead insects, the living also can become a target. Mosquito larvae or an injured terrestrial insect such as a dragonfly can fall prey to their quick movements, front claws and the sharp, beak-like rostrum designed to suck up body juices. The striders' ability to scurry, with the middle set of legs designed for propulsion and rear legs for steering, keeps them from becoming prey themselves. The legs, of course, are the subject of much of the microscopic research. Not only does the weight distribution from their proportionally long appendages help keep them afloat, but hairs on those limbs repel water by holding air between each. Amazingly, the insect can carry up to 15 times its body weight without sinking. Prior to the early 2000s, scientists thought the ability to walk on water was from wax secreted on the insects' legs. Chinese researchers discovered the hairs, drawing special interest from those who want to create water- resistant textiles and innovative aquatic devices. No, I didn't come home with any elk photos that day. But, when the light is right interesting photo subjects come in all shapes and sizes. With its unique abilities, this is one insect that deserves to be photographed. ■ A water strider walks on the water of Bordeaux Creek in the Nebraska National Forest.