ABSTRACT
Freshwater species capture and feed primarily on freshwater insects, usually captured alive or found shortly after death on the surface of the water. The species of truly pelagic water striders belong to the genus Halobates in the family Gerridae. The presence of relatively high concentrations of various salts in seawater produces differences in the physical nature of the surface tension layers of fresh and salt water. Halobates species on the high seas reportedly complete five larval stages prior to their metamorphosis to adults. Pelagic water striders have different requirements for surviving in their respective geographic niches. Midges assigned to the genus Pontomyia belong to the Diptera and clearly belong to the family Chironomidae, a family long known to encompass marine species. The males have wings considered to be brachypterous, although enough of them are present to propel the males rapidly over the surface of the sea.
