How A water Skipper MOves Around

 These insects rely on the waters molecules bond between each other to hold the bug up. Its weight alone won't break through the water, and it has more than its weight to thank for its ability to move. Much like the diving bell spider the water skipper has hairs paired with a wax-like substance  along its body that force the water off and keeps it somewhat dry while it hangs out. Unlike the spider however, the water striders hair is in a uniform order that instead of using air to waterproof itself the water is  slowly shucked off in small globules. The very tips of the water striders legs break the surface of the water, and when they pushed forward a vortex is created behind each leg that propels the insect forward. It acts in a similar way to a human using an oar.

Mechanics of the Jump

The water striders utilize many of the same principles in order to jump in the water and evade predators. It was recently found that the water strider knows and can tell when it is going to break the surface of the water and pushes off the water with just below the critical amount of force necessary to break the surface.

Skipper motion diagram