What it looks like: 11.1-14.4 mm in length. Its body is oval-shaped and dark brown with pale yellow-orange markings on its head and a distinct strip of yellow-orange behind the head. The elytra, or wing coverings, are speckled with small yellow-orange spots. They have large, powerful hind legs for swimming.

Where you'll find it: This species can be found across North America, but it is most common in the open grasslands of the western United States and Canada.

Natural History: These water beetles live in grassland ponds or ponds in sunny, exposed locations.