Riffle Bug walking on water! (Veliidae)

Source: Dr. John Morse, Clemson University
Transcript: Veliidae, or riffle bugs, are one of two groups of true bugs that are capable of walking or skating on the water surface. In both riffle bugs and water striders (family Gerridae), the ends of the feet, or tarsi, have special water-repelling hairs that allow these insects to stand on the water surface without breaking the nat water surface tension. Their claws are not at the tips of the feet, but arise before the tip. These claws do not repel water, but pierce the water surface to give the bugs a purchase to push themselves forward. Veliidae also are able to release a tiny droplet of white oil from the tip of their beak, allowing them to ride on the leading edge of the oil as it spreads across the water surface.