R for Ripple Communication

This. Is. So. Amazing.

FUN FACTS!

1) Gerridae is a family of insects commonly known as water striders. These insects live on the surface of the water and are capable of skimming or skating over its surface. They even do their midnight aerobics on the water.You can find water striders  in ponds, slow moving rivers, streams, or lakes with a small percentage being marine.

2) Water strider are light and use the high surface tension of water to glide along the surface. They are also covered with hydrophobic microhairs. These tiny hairs repel water, preventing drops from weighing down the body.

3) Water striders feed on small insects that drop in the water. The front legs of a water strider is designed to sense the vibrations produced by the ripples in the water of a struggling insect. 

4) Water striders also use water ripples to send signals as a form of communication. 

Signals are normally produced by vertical oscillations of the legs which remain on the water's surface. Sex discrimination is also communicated through ripple frequency. Males predominantly produce three main frequencies identified in ripple communication: 25 Hz is a repel signal. 10 Hz is a threat signal, and 3 Hz is a courtship signal.

Water striders are territorial, if a male enters the territory of another male they will be greeted with a repel signal. If the repel signal is not returned, then the male knows it is a female and will start sending out courtship signals. If the female is receptive, she will allow the male to mount her. If she is not receptive she will emit a ripple signal.


HAPPY FRIDAY!