Marsh Beetles

Scirtidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scirtidae: //ˈskɜːrtɪˌdeɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Ora discoidea adult by Jgw-atx. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Prionocyphon limbatus by Even Dankowicz. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Aquatic insects of California, with keys to North American genera and California species (1956) (19722797136) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.
Sacodes pulchella P1600053a by 
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Sacodes pulchella (50579436868) by Christina Butler from Georgia, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Sacodes pulchella P1600050a by 
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Scirtidae, commonly known as marsh beetles, are a family of beetles associated primarily with aquatic environments, particularly stagnant waters. They are characterized by their multi-segmented larval antennae and are found in diverse habitats where decomposing plant material is present.

Physical Characteristics

Adults size ranges from 1.5 to 12 mm. Larval antennae are multisegmented, which distinguishes this group from other holometabolous insects.

Identification Tips

Look for multisegmented larval antennae. Marsh beetles are typically found in proximity to stagnant and flowing waters, usually near decomposing plant material.

Habitat

Larvae inhabit stagnant and flowing water, particularly rich in decomposing plant material. Adults are found on vegetation and rotting plant material along shorelines.

Distribution

Most diverse in temperate regions; in specific areas, more diverse in the eastern regions.

Diet

Larvae typically feed on decomposing plant material.

Life Cycle

Larvae may undergo as many as 11 instars during their development.

Ecosystem Role

Play a role in the decomposition process within aquatic ecosystems.

Collecting Methods

  • Light traps near water bodies
  • Manual collection from vegetation and decomposing plant material

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Drying specimens for taxonomic studies

Similar Taxa

  • Elodiidae
  • Helodidae
  • Cyphonidae

Misconceptions

Often overlooked due to their poorly understood ecology and taxonomy.

Tags

  • marsh beetles
  • Scirtidae
  • Coleoptera
  • aquatic insects
  • insect ecology