Essential Water Beetle Resources
Discover the best websites, databases, and tools for water beetle identification, recording, and research
UK Core Resources
Essential UK websites for water beetle recording, identification, and research
UK Beetle Recording
Gateway to beetle recording including aquatic groups, with species information and identification resources. Home to the Aquatic Coleoptera Recording Scheme.
Visit WebsiteUK Beetles
Comprehensive guide to British and Irish beetles, including detailed photo-keys to species and extensive identification resources.
Visit WebsiteWaterBeetles.eu
Specialist European portal providing access to water beetle catalogues, research publications, and the latest taxonomic updates for aquatic Coleoptera.
Visit WebsiteUK Recording & Conservation
Official recording schemes and conservation resources
Biological Records Centre
Central hub for UK taxon recording schemes including the Aquatic Coleoptera Recording Scheme, with guidance on submitting records.
Visit WebsiteFreshwater Habitats Trust
Species directory and ecological information for freshwater water beetles in Britain, including habitat requirements and conservation status.
Visit WebsiteBiologicalRecording.co.uk
Comprehensive blog covering water beetle recording history, atlas publications, and key figures in British aquatic Coleoptera research.
Visit WebsiteIdentification & Keys
Essential identification tools and photographic guides
RES Handbooks (NHBS)
Authoritative illustrated identification keys for British and Irish water beetles - Parts 1 & 2 available through the Natural History Book Service.
Visit WebsiteNatureSpot
UK citizen-science portal with identification guidance and photographic references for water beetle families including Dytiscidae and Haliplidae.
Visit WebsiteLife in Freshwater
Educational resource providing ecological overviews and natural history content for key water beetle families across Europe.
Visit WebsiteEuropean Resources
Key European databases and identification resources
Kerbtier.de
Comprehensive German Coleoptera portal with photographs, distribution maps and species pages for over 2,700 beetle species, many occurring in Britain.
Visit WebsiteGBIF Occurrence Portal
Global Biodiversity Information Facility hosting aggregated European aquatic Coleoptera occurrence data used by researchers worldwide.
Visit WebsiteEURL Identification Tools
European reference listing vetted online identification resources across insect groups, including tools for aquatic Coleoptera screening.
Visit WebsiteAdditional Resources
Specialised tools and research platforms
Beetles Attracted to Light
Dan Asaw's specialised guide to beetles attracted to light traps, including many aquatic species encountered during moth trapping.
Visit WebsiteBeetles of British Isles Mailing List
Active community mailing list for discussions about British and Irish beetles, including identification queries and recording updates.
Visit WebsiteColeopterists Society
Visit the broader coleopterist community through the Coleopterists Society of Britain and Ireland for additional resources and networking.
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