This occurs in lowlands on somewhat acid waters, this bug also frequents peat pools and extends up to 1000 ft. or so. Shallow Sphagnum pools, stone-built artificial ponds, shallows on clay, moorland ditches, etc., are amongst its habitats but it is, on streams, confined to backwaters.

There are two generations per year, the first maturing in late July and the second in late September. The over- wintering adults may appear on warm days in January but the bulk leave hibernation sites between late March and early May.

The bugs feed on living prey and are often, as are other gerrids, cannibals. (SWL, 1959)

Distribution:

There is only one record for this in Northants and therefore classified as rare. This was an u verified record from NBN Atlas in 2000 from Oakfields corner pond near Stamford.

Habitat:

Small shallow pools.

Identification:

This is easily recognised from other gerridae with the presence of a tubercle on the underside of the abdomen between the coxae.