English: Summary of key adaptations of Halobates for oceanic life. Halobates germanus is one of only

five insect species that managed to live on the perilous open ocean. Colonization of this habitat requires sophisticated and specific adaptations for a more efficient structural and functional body design that translates into behaviors and dynamics necessary to cope with various physical and ecological environmental threats. Oceanic Halobates evolved to have smaller and lighter water-repellent bodies, sets of specialized legs that can exploit the surface tension to support their weight and facilitate extraordinary environmental awareness, which

are essential for versatile responses that allow them to survive in an environment characterized by turbulence, submersion and predation. (This figure was created by Xavier Pita, Senior Scientific Illustrator, KAUST).