* Angle of light: The sun's rays hit the water strider's legs at a low angle, creating a longer shadow. This is similar to how shadows are longer at sunrise and sunset.
* Thinness of the legs: The water strider's legs are extremely thin and slender. This means that the light is not spread out over a wide area, resulting in a more concentrated shadow.
* Reflection: The water surface acts like a mirror, reflecting light and enhancing the shadow.
* Surface tension: The water strider's legs are designed to rest on the surface tension of water, creating a slight depression. This depression acts like a mini-lens, further magnifying the shadow.
In summary, the combination of the low angle of light, the thinness of the legs, the reflection from the water, and the slight depression caused by surface tension all contribute to the large shadows cast by the ends of water strider legs.