Family: Veliidae

Small water striders are represented by only a single genus in SK, Microvelia. They are often overlooked, as they are less than 2 mm long. They are usually found on the water surface of small ponds amongst the vegetation. They feed on other invertebrates that are found on the water surface.

References:

Brooks A. R. and L. A. Kelton. 1967. Aquatic and semiaquatic Heteroptera of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba (Hemiptera). Mem. Entomol. Soc. Canada 51: 1-92

Clifford, H.F. 1991. Aquatic Invertebrates of Alberta. University of Alberta Press. Edmonton, Alberta.

Mau, H.E.L., R.G. Foottit, K.G.A. Hamilton and G.G.E. Scudder. 2000. Checklist of the Hemiptera of Canada and Alaska. NRC Research Press, Ottawa, ON.

Polhemus, J.T. 2008. Chapter 15: Aquatic and semiaquatic Hemiptera. In. Merritt, R.W., K.W. Cummins, and M.B. Berg. An introduction to the aquatic insects of North America. Fourth Edition. Kendall/Hunt Publ. Co. Dubuque, Iowa.