The Life of Animals | Gerridae | Family Gerridae are physically characterized by having hydrofuge hairpiles, preapical retractable claws, and elongated legs and body Hydrofuge hairpiles are small, hydrophobic microhairs. Wing polymorphism is Important to the variety and dispersals of Gerridae. The ability for one to have young Brood with wings and the next note allows water striders to adapt to changing environments. Long, medium, short, and non-existent wing forms are all Necessary Depending on the environment and season. Long wings allow for flight to a neighboring water body one gets too crowded however They can get wet and weigh down a water strider. Short wings may allow for short travel, but limit how far a gerrid can disperse. Non-existent wings Prevent a gerrid from being weighed down, but Prevent dispersals.
Wing polymorphism is common in most univoltine Populations Gerridae despite being completely apterous (wingless) or macropterous (with wings). Apterous Populations of Gerridae would be restricted to stable aquatic habitats That experience little change in environment, while macropterous Populations can inhabit more changing, variable water supplies. Stable waters are usually large lakes and rivers while unstable Generally waters are small and seasonal. Wings are Necessary if the body of water is Likely to dry since the gerrid must fly to a new source of water.
Temperature also plays an Important role in photoperiodic switches Temperatures signify the seasons and thus wings They are needed since During winter hibernate. Ultimately, these genetic alter-switching Mechanisms alleles for wing characteristics, Helping to maintain biological dispersals. Those two species are highly prevalent in American waters.
Both female and male adult Gerridae hold separate territories, though usually the male territories are larger than the female During the season, gerrids Will emit warnings Vibrations through the water and defend Both Their territory and the female in it. Water striders Will Attempt to disperse these groups Become too dense.
