Scirtidae
Common name:
Marsh beetlesNumber of species:
20Size Range:
1-4mmTarsi:
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.