This is a rare species in Northants mainly because the habitat is not found that often. It is confined to acid habitats such as peat cuttings, bog pools, flooded Sphagnum hollows, etc., and bog moss is almost always present, sometimes with soft rush or sedges. Such spots have a high amount of soluble organic matter. Also found in base-deficient standing water, particularly at shallow margins with emergent vegetation and Sphagnum moss (Kirby, 1990).

The bug overwinters as an adult and mating and oviposition occur in March and April.

This is very similar to H.moesta where it can occur together, the species were only split in 1933.

Distribution:

In Northants, the only record i have is from Holywell Fishponds in 1991 missing any recorders name, from the NBN Atlas. Therefore have it categorised as Scarce.

Across the country this is widespread but more frequent in the North and West (Kirby, 1990).

Habitat:

Found in base deficient standing water, particularly at shallow margins with emergent vegetation and mosses.

Identification:

This is smaller at 5mm, has a pointed ziphus and it's corium has little contrast between the light and dark markings, which differentiates it from the smaller Sigara sp. and the other two larger Hesperocorixa sp. This is however very similar to H. moesta but has longer claws on the mid legs.