[1] Microvelia macgregori is endemic to New Zealand where it lives on the surface of water in various aquatic habitats including lakes and ponds, and the slow-moving backwaters of rivers and streams.

[1] It is the only member of the Veliidae found in New Zealand; on upland tarns, winged forms are common while in lowland areas, wingless individuals predominate.

[2] Members of the family Veliidae are commonly known as "water striders", and move across the surface of quiet backwaters by walking or rowing; they can also clamber onto wet rocks or mudbanks.

They lay their small eggs on floating or emergent plants, gluing them to the surface of the vegetation.

Late arrivals may find little room to get close, and try to push their way in between other feeding bugs, which resist by kicking at the intruder with their hind legs.