Walking on water

Abstract

Many insects and spiders can travel on the water surface by rapid synchronized movements of the legs. It has been found that frictional forces, capillary waves and the creation of water jets and eddies beneath the fluid surface are all involved in the mechanisms of propulsion used by these creatures. Elaborate adaptations of the body structure mediate the wetting and de-wetting of the body surface to provide support and differential adhesion. Flow visualization as well as theoretical modelling have led to an understanding of the mechanisms invoked by water striders and spiders for water walking with a variety of gaits and speeds. Copyright © 2010 Cambridge University Press.