Description

Over all length 4.5 to 6.3mm. Dark, greenish beetles with distinctive grooves their pronotum. They are very difficult to identify to species but size is a good indication. The one depicted was quite large, and is thought to be Helophorus aequalis, one of the commoner species.

Habitat

Marshy areas, ponds, ditches and stream banks. The adults scavenge food in the muddy edges of the water while the larvae are aquatic predators of small invertebrates.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread throughout England, Wales and southern Scotland, becoming more local further north. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to October.