Space use by a neotropical water strider (Hemiptera: Gerridae): sex and age-class differences

This note describes differences in movement patterns and home range size by and age classes of a neotropical water strider, Potamobates tridentatus , Esaki (Hemiptera: Gerridae). Although the intricate locomotory adaptations enabling water striders to skate on the water surface are understood, ecological aspects of their movements remain poorly known. The authors present evidence that distinct behavioral patterns are the consequences of differences in body size and ecological requisites, most importantly food and mates.