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.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were approximately 45 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.