Hemiptera

The Gerridae are surface-dwelling bugs found on almost all stretched of calm, fresh water. They are highly adapted for moving rapidly across the surface of still water, with their claws positioned sub-apically enabling the tip of the feet to be covered with water-repellent hairs, while their long middle legs are used to "row" the insect at high speed across the surface film. They are all predatory insects, feeding mainly on small insects that accidentally fall into the water and become trapped by the surface tension. There are nine species found in the British Isles.

Male copulating with a female while she is safely occupied feeding on her prey
Common Pond Skaters (Gerris lacustris) - West Glamorgan, Wales - August 2007