2.4-3.2mm. A small and variable water beetle. Generally brown, often with a darker spot in the middle of the elytra across the suture. As with all Anacaena species, the elytral punctures are random and there are no striae. A. limbata is highly domed and is best identified by the extent of the greyish fur on the hind femora which covers the entire area with just the apical tip left glossy.

Other Anacaena, particularly lutescens - which has less extensive fur on the hind femora.

• 2.4-3.2mm
• upper surface dark brown or black
• may have a central dark spot across the suture
• elytral punctuation random - no striae
• the mesosternum has a prominent tooth in front of the mid coxa
• the dense fur-like hair on the hind femora extends to the apical tip

Good, detailed photos required showing the key ID features.

Shallow water.

All year but most common in Spring.

Common across most of England.

Common but under-recorded.