Buglife's Citizen Science survey has been launched to help the endangered strandline beetle in the South West.

The beetle, officially known as eurynebria complanata, is known for its distinctive black and sandy colour patterns.

Unlike its once thriving presence on both sides of the Bristol Channel, the beetle's population has somewhat crumbled over recent years, which caused it to be recognised as a GB Endangered species.

The strandline beetle, measuring approximately 20mm, is typically found inhabiting sandy beaches often located near sand dunes.

The beetle prefers to spend day time in hiding beneath beach debris, utilising natural and unconventional items such as driftwood, plastic drums, and fishing crates.

Meanwhile, its activities extend into the night time as it emerges to feed on sandhoppers and other invertebrates along the strandline.

The beetle still exists at a few sites in Wales and is actively supported through the Natur am Byth! partnership programme by Buglife.

Somerset County Gazette: The beetle's population has somewhat crumbled over recent years, which caused it to be recognised

However, England has not seen the beetle since 2002, when it was last spotted at Braunton Burrows in North Devon.

Laura Larkin, Buglife senior conservation officer said: "It’s been suspected for a while now that these beautiful beetles have sadly been lost from England.

"Through our Strandline Beetle project we hope to help establish whether this is likely to be the case, or whether there are any unknown populations still out there waiting to be discovered.

"If you live in or visit the north coast of Devon, Cornwall or Somerset, we need your help!"

The strandline beetle project by Buglife, supported by Natural England, seeks to identify any signs that might lead to the discovery of the creature in North Devon, Cornwall, or Somerset.

Ms Larkin added: "With Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean taking place across the UK over the next 2 weeks, we know that many communities will be cleaning up their local beaches.

"This is a great opportunity to ask that natural debris is left in place, as vital habitat for species like the Strandline Beetle, and that beach cleaners keep their eyes peeled when removing larger manmade items from our shores as they might just spot this elusive beetle!

"Any leads that we are able to follow up on, no matter how old they might be, would be a real boost to our project and for the Strandline Beetle in England.

"They’ve been missing in action now for over 20 years, and it would be great if we were able to learn more about them and help them to survive and thrive into the future".

Buglife has urged anyone who has potentially photographed strandline beetles while out walking the dog or on holiday since 2000 to submit their images and sightings via their Strandline Beetle search (www.buglife.org.uk/search-for-the-strandline-beetle/).