Explore the evolutionary and developmental biology of water striders in this comprehensive lecture. Delve into an integrative approach to animal diversity, comparing walking and rowing adaptations. Examine how the timing and dosage of Ubx gene expression modulates leg length, impacting speed and escape strategies. Investigate niche specialization and evolutionary innovations, focusing on the propelling fan structure. Learn about taxon-restricted genes controlling fan development, including geisha and mother-of-geisha. Discover the genetic correlation between exaggerated weapons and their use in Microvelia longipes, a model organism for studying trait exaggeration. Gain insights into how these adaptations disproportionately scale to body size and influence mating success in different competitive scenarios.