Water Stick-insect

Ranatra linearis

Description

Body length 30 - 35mm (plus up to 20mm breathing tube). Long, thin and dark brown like a stick.

Habitat

Ponds and lakes where they hide in the water vegetation waiting for prey, such as other pond insects, newts and sticklebacks. May be seen flying on warm days.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread in the south and east. Less common in the west and north and absent from Scotland. Common and widespread in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

All year.