Pleuston: animals which move in water and air

A lifestyle influenced by the conflicting pressures of two mediums can impose awkward constraints on animals. However, there are morphological and behavioural adaptations which permit animals to capitalize on the advantages of living and feeding in water and of moving (that is, of flying) in air, while at the same time avoiding many of the disadvantages they might face in one medium alone. This article considers these adaptations, and explores their mechanical and energetic consequences for pleustonic animals which have evolved to move in both water and air.