Hobbies And Interests
Common Water Strider
Common water striders, also called skaters and Jesus Bugs, resemble big mosquitoes. They live on the surface of marshes, ponds and slow streams. They grow to just over 1/2 inch (1.3cm) in length, and are dark brown or black in color. They have good vision and move quickly on water. Common water striders eat living and dead insects. Their favorite prey includes injured dragonflies and worms. They prefer shady areas and live in large groups under overhanging trees. They live for many months. They spend the winter under fallen leaves.
Giant Water Bug
Giant water bugs, also called toe biters and electric light bugs, are commonly mistaken for beetles or cockroaches. They live in clear freshwater streams and ponds. Giant water bugs grow up to 1.5 inches (3.8cm) in length, and some species can grow up to 4 inches (10.2cm) in length. Ambush hunters, they lie motionless and wait for prey. Adults eat insects, salamanders, small fish and tadpoles. They live for a year or more. They spend the winter under the ice in deep bodies of water.
Water Boatmen
Water boatmen live in ponds, puddles and even birdbaths. They can tolerate a wide range of salinity, from pure seawater to mildly brackish water. Water boatmen are found in large numbers near the coastlines, and in estuaries and salt marshes. One species, the marsh boatman, prefers salt water. Water boatmen grow between 1/4 and 1/2 inch (.6 to 1.3cm) in length, and are grey to brown in color. They use their strong hind legs, which look like paddles, for swimming. They are herbivores, and eat plant microorganisms and algae. They prefer aquatic habitats.
Water Scorpions
Water scorpions have grasping forelimbs similar to the anterior pincers of a terrestrial scorpion and an elongated caudal siphon, or breathing tube, similar to the scorpion's stinging tail. They live in polluted and deoxygenated waters, and prefer habitats with dense vegetation. Water scorpions carry a submerged air bubble that serves as a renewable air supply. The North American species grows between .06 and .08 inches (16 to 20mm) in length with a .03 to .04 inch (8 to 10mm) tail, and is dark brown in color. Their slow movements and excellent camouflage makes them inconspicuous to prey, which includes mayfly, stonefly and water beetle nymphs, freshwater shrimp and small worms. They are able to survive under ice during the winter.