water striders are small insects that can wall run, or stride on the surface of the water. the do this of hind legs are very long and thin and spaced far apart. these legs have tufts waterproof bristles that help to keep the water striders on the surface of the water. their short front legs are used for catching insects eat. most kinds of water Striders live in fresh water. but two species live in the Atlantic are pacific oceans, often hundreds of miles from land.