Click Beetle (possibly a species of Elateridae)

Natural Habitat

Found in various habitats depending on the species, including forests, grasslands, agricultural fields, and sometimes indoors, attracted to light.

Diet & Feeding

Adult click beetles typically feed on pollen, nectar, or plant sap, but some may not feed at all. Larvae (wireworms) are often subterranean and can be herbivorous, feeding on roots and seeds, while some species are predatory on other soil insects.

Behavior Patterns

Known for their unique 'clicking' mechanism, where they can flip themselves over if overturned by snapping a spine on their prothorax into a groove on their mesothorax, producing a distinct click sound and often launching themselves into the air. Many are nocturnal or crepuscular and are attracted to lights. Larvae (wireworms) can live for several years in the soil.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Larvae (wireworms) can be significant agricultural pests, damaging crops like corn, potatoes, wheat, and other vegetables by feeding on roots and seeds. Benefits: Some species (both adult and larval stages) are beneficial predators of other insect pests. Adults can also play a role in pollination.

Identified on: 9/17/2025