Bug Identifier
Wireworm (click beetle larva)
Community identification

Wireworm (click beetle larva)

Agriotes lineatus (example species)

Order & Family
Order: Coleoptera, Family: Elateridae
Size
10 to 40 mm (0.4 to 1.6 inches)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Typically found in soil, especially in agricultural fields, pastures, and garden soil rich in organic matter.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly plant roots, tubers, and germinating seeds; some species are predatory or scavengers.

Behavior Patterns

They spend 2 to 6 years underground as larvae before pupating; they are known for their hard, cylindrical, smooth-skinned bodies and move through soil by tunneling.

Risks & Benefits

Significant agricultural pests that damage crops such as potatoes, corn, and grains; they pose no direct risk to humans but can cause substantial economic loss to farmers and gardeners.