Aquarius elongatus (Water strider)

Family Gerridae/ subspecies

Living in the still waters of the ground level and low to intermediate altitude mountains and lagging water surfaces, the aquarius elongatus (water strider) generally spreads all over the island and can be seen all year round. It has a dark brown slender body, elongated and well-developed middle and rear legs, and short front legs used for getting prey then sucking their body fluid. The male water strider develops wings for flying; however, it usually takes good advantage of surface tension of water to roam on the surface. With oily tiny hairy piles on its legs, it can keenly perceive the slight vibrations on the water surface, so as to locate small insects dropped onto the water surface.

Photographed by Liang Ching-wei