The water strider's vertical jump from the surface of water inspires the creation of a robot that can do the same. #nyt #nytimes #science #bugs #insects | Video From The New York Times

These shadows are cast by the water strider (genus Gerris) which is an insect typically found in slowly moving freshwater streams and ponds. They are able to move on the water's surface without sinking. The circular waves they create on the surface make them easy to spot. Water tends to stick to itself (cohesion), especially at the surface where it meets the air (surface tension). Water striders don’t weigh very much and they spread their weight out with their long legs. Striders are also covere

#WildlifeWednesday WATER STRIDER The water strider was my favorite childhood insect. It was featured in my “Ranger Rick” magazine about 47 years ago and I still remember that article so clearly that all this information is coming from that magazine page! The water strider literally skates on the water by taking advantage of water surface tension. It spreads its weight on the surface using 4 long spidery rear legs. The end of each leg ends in an oily feather-like foot. The oily feather enables th