Which organisms live in the surface film called the neuston?

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The neuston consists of a diverse group of organisms that live either on top of or attached to the underside of the water's surface film.12

These organisms include:

  • Insects: Such as water striders and whirligig beetles.1
  • Other invertebrates: Including some spiders, snails, insect larvae, and hydras.1
  • Microorganisms: Certain protozoans.1

The neuston is distinct from plankton, as planktonic organisms only become associated with the surface film incidentally, rather than being specialized to inhabit that specific interface.1