Its range extends northwards as far as Norway, Finland, and the Saint Petersburg area of Russia.

It is an aquatic beetle and moves rapidly around on the surface or swims underwater in still or slow-moving fresh water.

It is often to be seen on the surface of still or slow-moving streams, ponds and marshes, especially sunny spots with a limited quantity of emergent vegetation.

The larvae have filament-like breathing tubes projecting on either side of the body and superficially resemble centipedes.

[4] Breeding takes place in the summer, and the adults hibernate under water during the winter, clinging onto submerged objects.