Marsh Beetles (Scirtidae) - 46 Species, Identification & Facts

Contacyphon coarctatus

3.5 to 4.5mm. The entire body is usually shiny black or dark brown. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe

Contacyphon cooperi

Identification: Like americanus Pic in form, color, vestiture and punctuation but with the subbasal impression on each elytron transverse, not oblique as in americanus , and the large sub-apical impression also not oblique. The third antennal joint i

Contacyphon laevipennis

Around ponds and wet areas, sometimes associated with Common Reed (Phragmites australis) but also found where this plant is not present. Widespread and fairly common in suitable areas of Britain. No additional images available for this species.

Contacyphon palustris

A small (approx. 3.3 mm) reddish brown marsh beetle. Favouring damp habitats such as pond margins and wet meadows. No additional images available for this species.

Contacyphon perplexus

Identification: Coloration is not reliable for identification; positive identification is only possible based on dissected specimens. Most of the images on the guide page here should be treated as general suggestions, not accurate identifications. sm

Contacyphon punctatus

Identification: Male genitalia are diagnostic. Fairly strongly setose and pronotum granulose Det. Brad Barnd, 2023 Type localities: South Carolina and New York Previously considered a synonym of Cyphon variabilis , but genitalia differences led Tetra

Contacyphon pusillus

Identification: Very small, blackish with paler elytral apices

Contacyphon setulipennis

Identification: Coloration is not reliable for identification; positive identification is only possible based on dissected specimens. Most of the images on the guide page here should be treated as general suggestions, not accurate identifications. Kl

Contacyphon variabilis

A small brown marsh beetle. Length 3 to 4 mm. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identify

Elodes minutus

Please provide photograph to support your record. Although the larvae live in water, the adults can be found on vegetation. Peak months for this species are May and June. No additional images available for this species.

Microcara testacea

4-5.5mm yellow-brown usually with darker markings on the centre of the pronotum, which has a roughly half-moon shape but with rounded hind angles. It is finely pubescent. The antennae has 11 segments with the three basal segments paler than the remai

Odeles marginata

Around 5mm. Generally dirty yellow and black with the elytral hairs increasing towards the apex and sides. The head is black and the pronotum is dark in the centre but with yellowish margins. Antennal segment 2 and 3 are pale. See the ID checklist be

Ora hyacintha

Identification: distinctive: dorsum glabrous, elytra costate

Ora zacki

described by Epler (2026) from material from Guatemala and Texas. This species was previously known as O. cf. marmorata Champion based on a single male specimen from Texas.

Sacodes pulchella

Identification: S. thoracica is <3.75 mm (M.Pintar, 2021, pers. comm.) variable:

Scirtes hemisphaericus

About 3mm in length, very rounded like a very small black ladybird. The legs are paler than the almost black body and the first segments of the antennae are pale. Widespread in the southern half of Britain. No additional images available for this spe

Scirtes plagiatus

Identification: Ovate, reddish testaceous, head, thorax and an oblique lateral stripe on each elytron piceous. Head shining, finely and sparsely punctate and sparsely pubescent. First joint of antennae stout, second and third small, together as long