A water strider is; “a slender predatory bug that moves quickly across the surface film of water, using its front legs for catching prey.” (w1) Many other bugs would sink under water or get stuck like glue. However, the water strider has thousands of fuzzy little hairs along its feet, called microsetae, which can trap air and create a floating pillow. Microsetae are little needle like strands that are coated with a special wax. Considering that these strands are twelve times narrower than human hair, when wet, the strands trap tiny air bubbles. “The result is an effective water-repellent, or hydrophobic, barrier. Taking advantage of the natural surface tension or “stickiness” of water itself, the airborne strider remains high and dry.” (w2)