Magic on the Water: The Life Cycle of Water Striders
Water striders
Wingless, impervious
Dimpling the calm surfaces
The water striders, members of the Gerridae family, have long intrigued scientists with their unique adaptations and behavior. These insects are commonly found on the surface of calm freshwater bodies like ponds, lakes, and streams, where their ability to "walk on water" sets them apart. This extraordinary feat, which has earned them the nickname "Jesus bugs," showcases their remarkable biomechanics.
I first observed these insects nestled along the serene banks of a stream near my home in Mill Valley, California, during the forced isolation of the global pandemic. Seeking solace and contemplation, I ventured to places where I could be alone with nature. Since that initial encounter, my fascination with these water striders has deepened, leading me to follow them through different seasons and document their natural life cycle, along with the beautiful ripples they create. My aim has been to capture images that faithfully convey the water strider's characteristics and behaviors in its natural habitat.
Water strider ripples, acting as nature's own language, convey various messages. Using the vertical oscillation of their middle legs, they produce frequencies that serve as warnings, indicating the need for others to maintain a respectful distance (25 Hertz), signaling potential threats (10 Hertz), or expressing a tender call of courtship (3 Hertz). The male water strider uses this aquatic artistry to entice the female, creating delicate ripples that can both allure and protect against predatory fish during mating. Their legs, equipped with specialized structures and covered in hydrophobic (water- repellent) hairs, enable them to skate effortlessly on the water's surface. By preying on mosquito larvae and consuming insects that land on the water's surface, water striders act as nature's guardians, directly influencing the health of the ecosystem. The delicate balance of water strider populations reflects the vitality of our water bodies.
However, these fascinating insects face a significant threat from water pollution. The introduction of pollutants, such as soap, disrupts the surface tension of water. As a consequence, water striders lose their ability to walk on the water's surface, making them susceptible to drowning. The breakdown of surface tension poses a direct and detrimental impact on these insects, underscoring the urgent need for measures to mitigate water pollution and safeguard the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems.
With the analytical training of a scientist and the patience of a career elementary school teacher, I am both conditioned and curious to study this silent marvel of nature. Each photograph brings new discoveries and inspires me to delve deeper into their brief lives. Amidst the promise of egg sacks adrift on the creeks, the survival of these enchanting creatures hangs in the balance, emphasizing the profound interconnection between their fate and the well-being of our natural world.
By: Golnaz Abdoli