Common Water Strider

Common water striders (Aquarius remigis) are a species of aquatic insect. Water striders have 3 sets of legs, 2 of which are used to propel themselves across the surface of the water while the front set is used to catch prey. These bugs are around .5 in and tend to be brown or black. Water striders generally consume mosquito larvae, dead bugs, or other bugs that fall into the water, cleaning as they go. These aquatic bugs can be seen gliding across the water all along Sausal Creek. They are often seen in slower moving or still areas of the creek. When seen along the creek, more than one can usually be spotted. When mating, they send signals to one another through ripples on the water. Watch for messages of love!