This bug is at it's most Northern distribution in Northants with only a few more northern records. It occurs on floating leaves of water plants, including broad leaved pondweed, amphibious bistro, white and yellow water lilies etc. and plays an important part in their pollination.

It hibernates as an egg and these are laid in September and inserted by the well-developed ovipositor into floating stems; adults die off in late September and the eggs sink to the bottom within dead stems. During April and May the larvae emerge and swim to the surface, breaking through the surface-film with ease if it is dustless. Larvae mature in late July and early August, but evidence suggests that two generations occur.

The bugs feed on insects on the surface and small animals, e.g., ostracods, are speared through the surface film.

Distribution:

This is found in the mature gravel pits in the mid Northants Nene Valley and Peterborough area.

Habitat:

Found on floating vegetation in a variety of still or slow flowing waters of gravel pits, ponds and canals.

Identification:

This is a distinctive bug with nothing else being the same size (3.3mm) and colour (Black mornings on a green abdomen). Underneath, all the coxae are between the edge of the thorax and midline as opposed to Velia.spp where they are at the outer edge of the thorax.