Description
Water boatman are stubby insects approximately in length. They have a distinctive marble pattern on their wing cases and long legs which assist their movement through the water. Their abdominal hairs are able to capture small air bubbles used to keep them afloat and these can often be seen upon close observation. They swim with their "belly" facing downwards, unlike other common swimming insects. ''S. arguta'' mouth parts are covered by a beak-like triangular labium. ''S. arguta'' use their forelegs to scoop up algae and detritus which they then eat.Habitat
''S. arguta'' are found across both temporary and permanent freshwater ecosystems. They are typically found in slow-moving bodies of water, such as rivers and streams, lakes, ponds and even man-made pools such as cow troughs.References
Insects described in 1926 Hemiptera of New Zealand Endemic fauna of New Zealand Sigara Endemic insects of New Zealand {{Corixidae-stub