What Causes the Unique Shadows and Light Effects of Water Striders?

AI Thread Summary
The large shadows cast by the legs of water striders are likely due to water adhering to their legs, creating a "jacket" that alters light refraction. This phenomenon may also be influenced by the deformation of water at the contact points, acting like a lens that redirects light. The bright ring around the shadows results from this light deflection, creating both dark and bright spots. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding refraction in explaining these unique visual effects. Overall, the interaction between the water strider's legs and the water surface is key to these optical phenomena.
zachcumer
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What accounts for the large shadows cast by the ends of the thin legs of the water strider? What accounts for the ring of bright light around the shadows?

Here is my picture (below) (ATTACHED)
 

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Bell bottoms?

Actually, I can't see your picture (not approved yet), but I'd guess that some water climbs up the strider's legs, due to surface tension in the water, so there's a "jacket" of water on them. Or, maybe it's an optical effect due to the deformation of the water where the strider's legs contact the surface. It could act like a lens, which would explain the deflection of light so that you get dark spots (from where light was redirected) and brights spots (to where the light was redirected). I'm just guessing, though, since I haven't seen the picture ... of course, I could still be guessing even then!
 
I believe the last thing you mentioned. "LENS"...is what my teacher is looking for. I just brushed up my reading and in the book, they talk a ton about lenses.
 
Thanks Belliott
 
Yup - if you're searching for key words, try "refraction"!
 
Again...very helpful..thanks man.
 

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