Hydrometra stagnorum

Common pond slider ( Hydrometra stagnorum )

The common pond slider ( Hydrometra stagnorum ), also known as water tab or peg, is a bug (Heteroptera ) and belongs to the family of the pond slider ( Hydrometridae ). The animals lead an amphibious life and run around on the water in Uferbreichen or on aquatic plants.

Characteristics and lifestyle

The common pond runner reaches body lengths from 9 to 12.5 millimeters. The black or brown - black animals are rod-shaped elongated in the physique. The head is in front of the compound eyes almost twice as long as behind it. The legs are extremely long in comparison with the body and allow walking on the surface. The antennae are four members. The body bottom is equipped with small hairs, so that water can run off. Most individuals are kurzflügelig ( brachypterous ); long -winged ( makroptere ) forms are rare, and the dispersal ability of the species is severely limited. In contrast to other members of the sandpiper iwS ( Gerromorpha ), however, the animals may very well continually move to the country and even to cover longer distances. The animals feed exclusively predatory insects and other arthropods.

Distribution and habitats

The common pond runner is widespread throughout Europe, the Mediterranean region and North Africa. To the east, its area extends into the Middle East and Central Asia. The animals live both in shallow shore areas smaller standing waters as well as on muddy ground in the reed belt of larger lakes. Since the species is relatively undemanding, almost vegetation-free places near water or built-up banks are populated by herself.