- Insect larvae, including mosquito larvae
- Crustaceans, such as water fleas and copepods
- Small fish and tadpoles
- Dead or decaying organic matter
- Algae and other plant material
Pond water bugs use their long, thin legs to skate on the surface of the water, and they can also swim if necessary. They use their long beaks to suck the juices out of their prey, and they have sharp claws to help them capture and hold their food.
Water striders are important members of the aquatic ecosystem, as they help to control the populations of other insects and small organisms. They are also a food source for larger animals, such as birds, fish, and reptiles.