Wild animals that don’t sink

2. Water Strider

These small pond insects glide effortlessly thanks to hydrophobic leg hairs that repel water. Middle legs row like tiny oars while rear legs steer, spreading their light body weight over the surface. Water striders hunt insects and larvae by sensing ripples from struggling prey beneath the surface.

Thanks to their lightweight bodies and specialised hydrophobic hairs on the leg (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

3. Fishing Spider (Dolomedes species)

These semi-aquatic spiders use their four hind legs to “row” across lakes. Tiny hairs on their legs create dimples in the water, allowing them to stay on the surface without breaking it. Some species can even dive briefly to catch fish larger than themselves, turning lakes and ponds into hunting grounds.

4. Western/Clark’s Grebe

These North American waterbirds are famous for their courtship “rush” dances, where pairs patter across water for 20+ feet. Lobed toes provide propulsion while short wings flap to help lift. The synchronised display strengthens pair bonds and ends with the birds diving for fish together.

Western and Clark’s Grebes can walk or run on water as part of their elaborate courtship ritual called rushing (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

5. Storm Petrel

Tiny seabirds that seem to walk on ocean waves at night, storm petrels tap their feet while fluttering their wings to catch plankton. They cannot walk well on land, but this “pitter-patter” technique allows them to cover long distances over water while foraging, appearing almost miraculous in the dark.

6. Brazilian Pygmy Gecko

Found in South American rainforests, these geckos dash across pond surfaces to escape predators. Enlarged toe pads and water-repellent skin distribute their weight, while rapid steps let them stay on top of the water. Streams in the Amazon serve as both highways and safe escape routes for these tiny reptiles.