This is common and widespread across Northants as it is across the UK. It prefers weedy still waters such as shallow muddy pools, gravel pit margins and lakesides but is can also be found in the slower margins of streams and also in early successional sites. it inhabits the spaces around underwater plant stems and leaves, but it may also be under stones and detritus at lake margins (TH, 2003)

It preys upon small fish, larvae of other water bugs, water beetles (larvae and adults), mosquito larvae, raft spiders and many other aquatic creatures. The front legs are powerful and close tightly over prey, caught as it moves past the still bug. (S&L, 1959).

There is only 1 generation per year. The bugs over winter as adults and mating takes place from early April till late May. Eggs are laid under the water surface within masses of green algae or in the stems and leaves of water plants. Some adults will fly and occupy new water sources but most do not have strong enough flight muscles. Many adults will often emerge from the waters edge and walk over land especially at night.

Distribution:

This is found in 76 sites and 30 10km squares making it widely distributed and very common in Northants.

Habitat:

It prefers weedy still waters such as shallow muddy pools, gravel pit margins and lakesides but is can also be found in the slower margins of streams and also in early successional sites.

Identification

This is a very straight forward bug to identify as there is nothing else like this with modified front legs, flat body shape and long respiratory tail. Even the juvenile instars have the same distinctive shape.