Gerris spec.
Water striders, mating
The male Water strider sits on the back of the female, and is often carried in this position for hours by her.
He gets a hold with his front legs. Most of the time the female is unwilling and tries to shake the male of her back
by jumping and rolling. In the case shown here she is having a meal on a small fly, maybe that created
an opportunity for the male. Some investigators think that the female might have an advantage by the carrying
of the male, she is less harassed by other males and so she has more time to catch prey.
That idea throws another light on this picture...
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Water strider, reproduction
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