Which property of water allows insects, such as water striders, to walk on its surface without sinking?

Surface tension

The surface tension of water is a fascinating phenomenon resulting from the cohesion among water molecules, creating a sort of "film" on the surface. It is this property that allows certain insects, such as water striders, to move on water as if they were walking on solid ground. These insects exploit surface tension by spreading their weight across their long legs, thereby avoiding breaking the surface. Understanding this phenomenon has inspired technological innovations, including the development of hydrophobic materials and new approaches to movement on water, mimicking nature in the field of robotics and vehicle design.