The Common Water Boatman is a small water bug that has piercing and sucking mouth parts, like all bugs. It can be found throughout the country in ponds, canals, rivers and lakes which have lots of water plants. It has its name ‘Boatman’ because its long hind legs are shaped like oars and when it swims on its back near to the surface of the water, it just looks like a very small rowing boat.

The Common Water Boatman is about two centimetres long and can be light brown or green. When it swims up-side down, it carries lots of air bubbles on its underside which gives it the impression that it is a silvery white colour. It has two short front legs and two long, paddle-shaped hind legs that are fringed with tiny hairs. The front legs are used for grabbing prey and the hind legs are used for swimming. The Common Water Boatman has a triangular-shaped head and mouth. It also has two large red eyes.

The Common Water Boatman often flies to different water places by using its four transparent wings which are often hidden in a wing case, especially when it is swimming in the water. The Common Water Boatman eats small tadpoles, small fish, water fleas and mites. It sucks the body fluids out of its prey wuth its piercing and sucking mouth parts.