This bug is widely distributed across Northants but not found that frequent. However when it is it can have good populations and be found most years. It generally occurs in small ponds with neutral to alkaline water (Huxley). It also appears in temporary habitats and some woodland detritus ponds on London clay when much of the pond vegetation is flooded grass; shallow drains with grass and moss are also favoured SWL, 1959).

This is very similar to H. castennea which prefers more acidic waters however they can be found together across the country. Therefore this difference does not always appear clear cut (Huxley)

Bugs overwinter as adults.

Distribution:

This is found in 11 10km squares in Northants and therefore classed as Un-common. Across the country it is at the more Northern and western of it's main range but is is being recorded more but infrequently from Wales and northwards to Lancashire.

Habitat:

Found in small ponds both temporary and woodland that are alkaline and some have a Clay base.

In a Spratton Wildlife garden it was very shallow, weedy area over clay. At Yardley Chase it was almost a swampy margin at the end of the pond with mosses forming a carpet in shallow water.

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. castenna but has shorter claws on the mid legs.