The pond skater is a member of a specialised group of insects, mostly true bugs but incl;udes soem beetles that are adapted to live on the surface of water. Four of its six legs have hairy pads that trap air and repel water so it can move on the water suface without breaking the surface fil. it feeds mainly on dead and decayinginsects that fall into the water , using its sharp proboscis to suck the juices. The female lays eggs under water in jellied clusters in spring. The nymphs mouly 5 times befor cebcoming adults. these unlijke the nymphs have wings , they hibernate over winter