Haliplidae family, left. All the British beetles in this family are small - 5 mm long. They are easily recognised if you turn the adult on to its back you can see that the fist joint of the hind leg is enlarged to form a large plate, see Haliplus sp. on the left. Both adult and larva (see below) are found among thick algae, especially Spirogyra. The adult is yellow or reddish brown. The larva feeds on Spirogyra and has long triangular spines down its back and a long tail.

Helodidae/Scirtidae family. The british species in this family have terrestrial adults and aquatic larvae. On the left is a larva of Helodes marginata. When fully grown it is 10 mm long. It is found on the undersides of stones in small rivers and mountain streams.

Dryopidae family, right. 21 British species. All British beetles in this family are vegetarian, small (adults are usually less than 5 mm long), and are found in fast-flowing rivers and streams. The adults have, long, sharp claws (see Helmis sp. on the right) enabling them to hold on to stones etc. Both adults and larvae require a similar habitat, and so are often found together.

Hygrobiidae family. In the UK there is just one species in this family, Hygrobia tarda also known as Hygrobia hermanni, the screech beetle, right and left. The adult (right) is about 10 mm long, and the larva (left) 12mm long. Both are found in muddy ponds. The adult has a very convex, reddish brown body, with darker elytra and a black edge round the thorax, and prominent eyes. The beetle gets its common name from the sound the adult makes when picked up. It makes this sound by rubbing the tip of its abdomen against its elytra.

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