Is this a pond skater?

[2dogs2000]

I was surprised when this photo was downloaded as I didn't think it would be recognisable. I was standing on a bridge and I could see movement on the water and zoomed in. Not a brilliant picture but hopefully identifiable. Is it a pond skater?

[tom00_uk]

yes thats a skater

[GCN lova]

nice pic aswell my pond has not had pond skaters even though a baby one stuck around for a bit but has disappeared.

[dampflippers]

My poor pond skaters don't have anything to skate on at the moment as all the surface is covered with duckweed and frogbit.

[tom00_uk]

they have been absent on our ponds this year,

[Red Robin]

My small wildlife (no fish) pond is now exactly one year old and I have never seen a pond skater on it. I have seen a Water Measurer and a Spotted Crane Fly but I reckon my newts and dragonfly nymph gobble up such visitors.

[King Edward]

I doubt that's the case. Pond Skaters are pretty fast and alert, and living on the surface tension I'd think they'd be well out of the way of newts (and dragonfly nymphs). Frogs maybe could ambush them, but that's hunting above the water. Possibly the pond is just a bit small to attract them, especially with vegetation cutting down on the exposed surface area.

[Red Robin]

Originally Posted by King Edward

I doubt that's the case. Pond Skaters are pretty fast and alert, and living on the surface tension I'd think they'd be well out of the way of newts (and dragonfly nymphs). Frogs maybe could ambush them, but that's hunting above the water. Possibly the pond is just a bit small to attract them, especially with vegetation cutting down on the exposed surface area.

....Yes, I think you are right - The pond is small and the open water area is about 70% covered in water lilies (which I've noticed the newts hang out under during the day).