Pond skater eyeing up ... what, please?

Dillybythesea · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2011, 06:13 PM

These Pond Skaters seem voracious (as bad as Water Boatmen!) and today I was watching this one closing in on a small brown something, right of frame - and wondered if anyone could say what it is, please?

Also, do they ever eat plant material as this one went on to seize, and swim around with, a piece of duckweed?

King Edward · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 09:07 AM

As far as I know these are entirely carnivorous - can't see them eating duckweed. The animal on the right is a small water beetle, not sure which species though (possibly something like Anacaena limbata). I doubt the Pond skaters would go for these, probably too heavily armoured.

Matt Smith · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 03:10 PM

Pondskater are predators - the brown blob on your photo is a small Helophorus water beetle (not rounded enough for Anacaena limbata).

Dillybythesea · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 05:41 PM

Thank you both! What a pity they don't eat duckweed. Off now to google Helophorus and Anacaena limbata, and see if I can't learn a bit more about water beetles. Thanks again!