This is a widespread bug that is often associated in Northants with early successional habitats. it is a ready migrant (but rare in light traps). Migration is stimulated by a rise in temperature or by crowding, which is bought on by higher temperatures causing ponds to shrink by evaporation. Bugs in flight go in the direction of the sun but reflections from water, wet mud or a surface similar to these in appearance cause them to dip downwards. They soon appear in new habitats and readily colonise temporary ones (S&L, 1959).

These are often found in Water trough's, Dew ponds, Silt ponds etc. usually without much vegetation or bare mineral substrate. They can also tolerate detritus and slurry. Further North they are found in upland areas that are acidic, lime deficient ponds and pools.

The bugs overwinter as adults and there are two, possibly three, generations a year.

Distribution:

Found in 25 10K squares across Northants wherever the habitat is favourable this is a very common bug.

Habitat:

These are often found in Water trough's, Dew ponds, Silt ponds etc. usually without much vegetation or bare mineral substrate. They can also tolerate detritus and slurry. Further North they are found in upland areas that are acidic, lime deficient ponds and pools.

Identification:

These are a tricky group to identify and at 6.5mm fit into the smaller Sigara group below 6.8mm. From here it is a mixture of features that includes 7-9 lines on the pronotum, a matt surface with 1 to 2 dark lines on the corium and with light brown swimming hairs on the hind leg.

From here the males can be more easily separated from S.limitata with the single row of pegs on the palae and the Facial depression has a ridge level with the bottom of the eyes as images below.