Common name
Marsh beetles
Number of species
20
Size Range
1-4mm
Tarsal formula
5-5-5
Lobed
Images:
Description
Formerly known as the Helodidae, family Scirtidae includes 20 British species and are among the least-known aquatic beetle families. Adults are 1.5-6mm long with soft elytra. They come to light and can be found in large numbers on vegetation in wet areas: those of genus Scirtes have enlarged hind femora and can jump in a manner similar to the flea beetles of Chrysomelidae.
Larvae have multi-seqmented antennae, distinguishing them from all other holometabolous insect families.