In southern United States another name for a water strider is the JESUS BUG. These bugs get their names from their ability to walk on water. Hair on the tips of it's legs keep it from breaking the waters surface, which allow the bug to scurry away quickly from predators. This bug uses it's front legs to grasp it's food, which consists of plants and other insects that come up to the surface for air. When the ponds are dry or during winter these insects hide in mudbanks, under stones, or in moist leaves that have fallen near the shore. The winged bugs live for only a few months, but move about different ponds and streams in their short lifetime.

Sources:www.alienexplorer.com

www.dnr.state.wi.us/org