9.5-11.5mm. A very common black diving beetle with pale brown antennae and brown front legs. It has a smoothly rounded outline with elongate microsculpture within which is a mesh pattern.

• 9.5-11.5mm
• all black with pale brown antennae and brown front legs
• males are shiny and females are dull
• smooth, rounded outline
• elongate micro-sculpture with a mesh pattern within

Favours still or stagnant water or sluggish bays in running water. Sometimes drawn to light or to the metallic paint of cars by polarised light (as in the image below).

The adult can be found all year round.

This is a carnivorous beetle which hunts small creatures in and on the water.

Widespread and the commonest water beetle in Britain.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.