Click Beetle

Found in forests, woodlands, gardens, and agricultural fields, typically hiding under loose tree bark, in decaying wood, or under rocks and leaf litter.

Adults feed on plant material, nectar, pollen, and soft fruits. Larvae (known as wireworms) feed on decaying organic matter, roots, seeds, and sometimes other small insects.

Noted for their unique defense mechanism: when disturbed or placed on their back, they bend their prothorax and snap a special spine into a groove, producing a clicking sound and launching themselves into the air to escape predators.

Generally harmless to humans (do not bite or sting), though certain wireworm larvae can be agricultural pests by damaging crop roots. Ecologically, they act as important decomposers and a food source for birds and small mammals.