This is the most widely distributed bug in the UK as it is in Northants. It tolerates a lower surface tension than some other species and is found on evolved ponds with high organic matter. It occurs in a range of habitats including ponds, ditches, lakes and the backwaters of rivers and streams.

Overwintered bugs appear in late April or early May. Oviposition occurs in May and eggs develop in 12 to 14 days and larvae in 24 to 30 days. During each instar, as well as at each of the moults, the bug “grows” by elongation of the abdomen-the first instar takes in some water; there are the usual five instars. A linear egg-burster is present on the embryonic membrane. (SWL, 1959)

The life cycle can be varied by temperature, food source and light conditions to such an extent that from the same eggs can produce both short or long winged versions in different percentages with are then bivoltine or univoltine and can have either 1 or 2 broods a year. (BP, 2008)

The first generation are adult and mature usually from late June onwards and the second generation from mid-August onwards. Adults which are retarded, i.e., whose final moult occurs in late September or October, show a tendency to be small and dark. Some maybe found still active in early November.

Distribution:

This is distributed across the whole county and with 34 10km squares is very common, the surrounding counties will be the same.

Habitat:

Found in a wide variety of waters including ponds, lakes, ditches, canals and rivers usually around vegetation. Early coloniser of new habitats

Identification:

For a common bug this is quite tricky to identify and require a combination of features. The size is between 8mm and 10mm with a black pronotum and antennae. The front femur is pale yellow with black stripes stretching back from the distil end, the dorsal stripe being longer than the ventral.