Why does a pond skater insect not sink?

Answer 1

A pond skater insect is held up by surface tension.

Water molecules have an attraction for each other. At the surface of the liquid there is no water in one direction (up, naturally) so the molecules at the surface are pulled with a net force downwards. This creates a surface layer which has a high viscous property (know as surface tension). To penetrate this layer requires a measurable force. Since the weight of a pond skater does not exceed this force it is held up by the surface of the water.

Answer 2

A pond skater insect is able to stay afloat on the water due to its long, hydrophobic legs that distribute its weight evenly and create a water-repellent surface tension. This allows the insect to "skate" on the water's surface without breaking through.

Answer 3

Simply put, they aren't heavy enough to break the surface tension of the water.

Answer 4

Water has a Surface Tension, like a thin plastic covering. It only works for very light object such as insects.

Answer 5

Some insects do not sink in water as they walk on its surface. This is as a result of their legs adhering to the surface of the water and this is known as adhesion.