Screech Beetle
Hygrobia hermanni
This record describes Hygrobia hermanni (species). Recorded family: Hygrobiidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8.5 to 10 mm. This distinctively marked beetle is the only British member of the Hygrobiidae (=Paelobiidae). It can make a squeaky grating noise, hence the name. According to Wikipedia 'The sound is produced when the sharp edge of the 7th abdominal tergite is rubbed against a subapical median file on the elytral undersurface.' Adults may be found around the margin of still water, usually where the bottom is soft silt or mud. Mainly recorded between April and October. Considered to be common across southern England and the midlands becoming much rarer further north. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Hygrobia hermanni: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygrobia_hermanni.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Hygrobiidae
- Genus
- Hygrobia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults may be found around the margin of still water, usually where the bottom is soft silt or mud.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly recorded between April and October.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Considered to be common across southern England and the midlands becoming much rarer further north.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hygrobia hermanni. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Screech Beetle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Screech Beetle
What is Screech Beetle?
Screech Beetle (Hygrobia hermanni) is a species in the family Hygrobiidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Screech Beetle?
8.5 to 10 mm. This distinctively marked beetle is the only British member of the Hygrobiidae (=Paelobiidae).
Where is Screech Beetle found?
Habitat: Adults may be found around the margin of still water, usually where the bottom is soft silt or mud.
When is Screech Beetle active?
Screech Beetle: seasonal activity - Mainly recorded between April and October..