Grey in colour, these odd looking insects are long and thin with an elongated head. They have long, skinny legs and big bulgy eyes.
Another widespread bug throughout most of Britain, the Water Measurer moves slowly, picking its way across ponds and other still waters. It tends to lurk in marginal vegetation, where it can scamper off into the reeds if predators come by. Able to stand on the water’s surface, it uses its spear like beak to skewer mosquito larvae and other small pond inhabitants.
Latin name: Hydrometra stagnorum
Size: 9-12mm long
In the garden
Water Measurers prefer garden ponds with a healthy spread of vegetation around the edge where they can forage in safety. Ponds with fish in are less likely to attract this interesting little bug but a nice marshy area off to the side of your pond may combat this. Like other surface dwellers, they are helpful predators to have around as they keep control of pests such as mosquitos and water fleas.