Water insects

[Badazzteacher]

This year is the first time I have seen any type of water skimming insect on the surface of my pond. I suspected they were mosquitoes based on the appearance, but it doesn't match mosquito development. They are tan, very small, about 3-4mm, and have a few dark stripes on their back. They stay away from the waterfall and will actually run off over the rocks to exit the water if I sprinkle the water with a hose or am refilling the evaporated water. I tried to search the net for answers and couldn't really glean anything solid.

Any suggestions? :banana:

 

[pondlady]

:nono: Sounds like Water striders, they are harmless could be a spider of some sort.

 

[razornick]

I understand pond striders are harmless to humans. I have some in a creek nearby. 1st, are there any reasons not to try and move some to my pond? 2nd, how do you catch these things? Will they establish and reproduce?

 

[pondlady]

They are harmless to fish a well. I have them in my small fry pond. I just scoop them with a net. Watch out though they can jump, I love having them in my pond. Yes they have reproduces there.

 

[razornick]

Alright! I'm grabbing my 4 year old and a net. The hunt is on.