Distribution: The Palaearctic species is mainly distributed in the southern half of Europe (Schaffner et al. 2001). In Eastern Europe the species is spread from the southern Ukraine and the Volga delta through middle and southwest Asia to Iran and Pakistan (Becker et al. 2003). It is rarely found in Central Europe (Aspöck 1969, Schaffner et al. 2001).

Habitat: Aquatic stages develop in shallow herbaceous marshes, temporary pools, irrigation ditches or the watersides of lakes, overgrown with duckweed or straight vegetation and rich in organic matter; they inhabit fresh or slightly brackish waters, which may be sunlit or slightly shaded (Schaffner et al. 2001, Becker et al. 2003).

Biology: Larvae can be found from May to the beginning of October, reaching highest densities in August (Becker et al. 2003). In southern countries larvae may be present throughout the year (Schaffner et al. 2001). In the delta of the river Po larvae, pupae and imagoes have been collected at same time in late spring. Adults are most abundant in late summer (Becker et al. 2003). In Austria females have been encountered in low abundance in September (Aspöck et al. 2001). According to Schaffner et al. (2001) and Becker et al. (2003) it is probably the females, which overwinter in the colder regions.

Adults: Females do not bite humans or other mammals, and seem to be autogenous; the species has no known medical importance (Schaffner et al. 2001).