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Glite Dictionary
family Gerrididae

family Gerrididae

9.6
Insects that walk on the surface of water, like water striders
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia Gerrididae
  • The family Gerrididae, also known as water striders, can often be seen gliding gracefully on the surface of ponds.

Examples

  • Scientists study the family Gerrididae to understand how insects adapt to life on the water surface.

  • The family Gerrididae includes many species of water striders.

  • Many members of the family Gerrididae exhibit remarkable agility and speed on ponds and streams.

  • The family Gerrididae includes a wide variety of species known as water striders.

  • Did you know that the family Gerrididae can walk on water?

  • Researchers are fascinated by the family Gerrididae because of their unique ability to walk on water without sinking.

  • In shallow lakes, the family Gerrididae plays an important role in the ecosystem by preying on small insects.

Synonyms

Gerrididae
vsfamily Gerrididae
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of small insects that walk on water surfaces like ponds

is the formal scientific name for that same insect family
family Gerridae
vsfamily Gerrididae
  • Specialized
8.3

A group of insects that walk on the surface of water

is the formal scientific name rather than this variant
Gerridae
vsfamily Gerrididae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of insects that walk on the surface of water

is the formal scientific name rather than this general description

Surface Forms

family Gerrididae singular
families Gerrididae plural

Morphology

family + Gerrididae

The phrase simply names a taxonomic group by combining the general noun 'family' (a scientific grouping) with the proper name 'Gerrididae', which is already defined as the family of water striders; the overall meaning is directly derivable from the parts. This is a standard, cross-linguistic scientific naming pattern, so a learner who knows both constituents will understand it.

Etymology

Family Gerrididae gets its name from the older name Gerris, used for small insects that seem to 'walk on water' like tiny skaters, so the name recalls that picture. That's why the term refers to the group of insects we call 'water striders'.