
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)
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.