Water Strider Surface — Gerris lacustris Study

Description

Gerris lacustris (the common pond skater) is supported on the water surface by the surface tension of the water alone — the hydrophobic microhair structure of its legs preventing leg penetration of the water meniscus. Under suitable backlighting, the surface tension dimples created by each leg contact point are visible as dark areas in the bright reflected surface, revealing the physical mechanism of surface tension support through direct photography. This photograph was made with a close-focus macro lens at water surface level, the backlighting provided by a white foam reflector positioned below the water surface of the clear shallow pond. The six surface tension deformation areas, the legs themselves, and the reflective water surface create a composition of physical precision and visual elegance.