Family overview
Slender, long-legged. Walk on the surface of water using hydrophobic hairs and surface tension. Middle legs row, hind legs steer.
Halobates are the only insects that live on the open ocean.
At a glance
Family facts.
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Aquatic · Semi-aquatic
Approx. species
1,700
Notable members
Common water strider (Gerris), sea skaters (Halobates — only truly oceanic insects)