Gerris spec.
Water strider
The needle-sharp tubular mouthpart of this specimen, the proboscis, is well
visible on this picture. When not in use, it is folded against the belly side. It's
because of this piercing 'snout' that true bugs are also called Rhynchota,
from the Greek rynchos, snout. This tube is formed by mouthparts grown together, the
inner parts are stretched far into the body of the Water strider. The bended front legs grab
the prey and are als used to clean the proboscis.
back to:
Water strider, general
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Gerard Visser (Aadorp,
Netherlands), unless stated otherwise. All rights remain with him. These pictures may not be
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