2 The Water Strider Mating Ritual
The water strider may be an insignificant little water fly, but when it comes to mating, the male is very demanding. Without any ritualistic dance or attraction he will climb atop the female expecting her to give in immediately. If she fails to do so he attempts to kill her by rippling the water to attract a predator towards her. He will only stop the rippling activity if she gives in. The female’s singular ability to fertilize eggs produced throughout a lifespan makes her disinterested in mating. It is only due to the male’s threats that they do so.
