This is a widespread bug found in rich lakes with thick reedbeds and also in ponds. Usually in stagnant habitats with a higher percentage of organic matter in solution and emergent vegetation, especially reeds. The pale lines on this bug tend to be more defined in contrast that the others in the group that merge into each other.

Overwintered bugs mate and oviposit in March-April and the egg is attached to water plants by means of a pre- formed egg-stalk.

Distribution:

Found in 18 10km squares across Northants this is considered locally common. It is widespread and found in many of the gravel pits down the Nene Valley.

Habitat:

Found in rich lakes and ponds with thick emergent vegetation especially reeds.

Identification:

This is in the larger couplet of the 4 species at 7mm and 6 pale lines on the pronotum. They can easily be confused with Sigara fossarum but the ziphus of H.linnaei is pointed.