Water Strider at Larch Island, Canmore, Alberta.

This aquatic predator lives on the surface of many ponds, slow flowing creeks and rivers. Water striders are part of the True Bug family and have a long needle-like mouth part to suck dry small insects they find dead or alive on the water surface. Their legs are fitted with special hairs so that they do not break the water surface. Other hairs help register vibrations caused by insects that fell into the water and try to get out.

Image number: ASP6659AWIC