Great Diving Beetle
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Dytiscus marginalis
Very common in ponds & lakes around Britain.
Larvae can be seen crossing the paths in late Summer.
These beetles live in fresh water, either still or slow-running, and seem to prefer water with vegetation.
They are dark-coloured (brown or green to black) on their back and wing cases (elytra) and yellow on their abdomen and legs.
The Male's wing cases are shiny, while those of the Female are finely grooved.
A voracious predator, this beetle hunts a wide variety of prey including small fish.
They are able fliers, and fly usually at night.
They use the reflection of moonlight to locate new water sources.