This is a small bug (about 3 mm) in a family group known as water treaders. Mesovelia furcata has a greenish colour and rather slim shape. It is usually wingless but winged forms do occur and these may fly to colonise new areas.

Around the margins of well vegetated ponds.

Summer and early autumn.

The eggs (about 100) are inserted in plants. The tiny larva hatch in spring.

Widespread in the southern half of Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.