Microvelia reticulata

Description

This very small (less than 2 mm) semi aquatic bug is a member of the Water Cricket family with a silvery appearance. It can walk or swim rapidly over the surface of ponds and lakes – this is made possible by a covering of fine water repellant hairs over the body and legs, which allows the weight of the insect to be supported by the surface tension of the water. The dense covering of hairs gives these bugs a matt or velvety appearance. 

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Often found in vegetation at margins of freshwater habitats.

When to see it

All year round.

Life History

Microvelia mate throughout the summer and lay their eggs in rows on floating plants. The very small larvae become adult after five instars. The adults are predators of many small insects.

UK Status

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

VC55 Status

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Bugs
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hemiptera
Family:
Veliidae
Records on NatureSpot:
9
First record:
21/09/2001 (Derek Lott)
Last record:
19/09/2022 (Nicholls, David)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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