The life cycle of a pond strider (pond skater) can be quite fascinating to observe. These small insects spend the majority of their time walking on the surface of ponds and other water bodies, using their long legs to propel themselves along. If you take a close look at a pond strider, you’ll notice that they have a large pair of compound eyes, which help them spot potential prey items floating on the water’s surface. When a pond strider spots something edible, it will quickly snatch it up with its long, thin proboscis (mouthparts).