Mating Water Striders

I noticed what I thought was some kind of water bug dancing and skipping across the pond surface at Mad River Fish Hatchery and took several photos of the unusual activity. When I saw them at home on my computer screen I was surprised to see not one but two water striders in the process of mating!! I looked up some info and was surprised once again at their mating habits.

 

Here is an excerpt:

Water strider sex begins unceremoniously: the male mounts the female without any courtship rituals or foreplay. She may resist but if she does, he starts to actively strum the water surface with his legs. Each vibration risks attracting the attention of a hungry predator, like a fish or backswimmer. And because the female is underneath, she will bear the brunt of any assault. By creating dangerous vibes, the male intimidates the female into submitting to his advances. Faint heart, it is said, never did win fair lady.

 

blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2010/08/10/ma...

Done