Gerridae

/dʒɛˈraɪdi/ noun

Definition

A family of insects commonly known as water striders or water skaters, which can walk on the surface of water without sinking.

Etymology

From Latin 'gerris' or Greek 'gerris' (a water insect), with '-idae' being the scientific suffix for family classification in taxonomy.

Kelly Says

Water striders in the family Gerridae have legs covered with microscopic water-repellent hairs, and they create tiny dents in the water's surface tension—they're essentially ice skating on water, but at the insect level.

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