Description

Body length 8 - 10mm. Dark, grey/black with a white line along the sides. The middle legs are elongated and used as oars to row across the water surface. May be wingless or fully winged. There are several similar species so care needs to be taken with identification.

Habitat

Ponds and slow streams, where they take their prey from the surface.

Status and distribution

Common and widely distributed throughout Britain. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to October.