This is a bug species very easily overlooked as it is about 10 mm long and very slim, somewhat like a stick insect. The head is 25% of the body length and has the antennae held out in front. Usually black and wingless.

A common species even if not often seen. They live along the banks of ponds and sluggish flowing water. A wide distribution within Europe .

ECOLOGY: These extremely slender insects run over the water surface looking for animals swimming just beneath the surface. In this way they stab them with the stylet, typical of the true bugs, and suck the body fluids. Particular "favourites" include midge and mosquito larvae and Daphnia .