[4][5] They live in still waters with vegetation, hatching in the summer months and then overwintering half a year later as adults.

[6] They primarily feed on small fish, amphibians and aquatic insects, but have also been recorded taking water snakes and young turtles.

Females of the species are known to destroy eggs guarded by males (ovicide, a form of infanticide), which secures care for their future offspring.

[6] It appears that a "counterstrategy" has evolved in males, which spend a much greater time with the eggs than is necessary to keep them wet.

[6] Brooding males will also attack female intruders, being successful in defending their eggs about one third of the time, though some are seriously injured in doing this.