HemipteraGerridae – Water Striders

Gerris pingreensis

This record describes Gerris pingreensis (species). Recorded family: Gerridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Gerris pingreensis - Gerris pingreensis
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , v belov

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
Suborder
Heteroptera
Superfamily
Gerroidea
Family
Gerridae (Water Striders)
Subfamily
Gerrinae
Genus
Gerris

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

bogs, marshes, permanent freshwater ponds and lakes, and in lotic environments; in Yukon, usually on ponds, particularly ponds with sedges

Geographic Range

transcontinental in the north (AK‒NT‒LB to ID‒MT)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Gerris pingreensis Drake & Hottes 1925

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Gerris pingreensis. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.

Ecological role of the group

Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.

Economic and practical significance of the group

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.

Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Gerris pingreensis (2)

Gerris pingreensis - photo 1
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , v belov
Gerris pingreensis - photo 2
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , v belov

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.