
Community identification
Wireworm (larva of the Click Beetle)
Family Elateridae
- Order & Family
- Order Coleoptera, Family Elateridae
- Size
- 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches (12 to 38 mm) in length.
Natural Habitat
Found primarily in agricultural soil, gardens, and grasslands, often deep underground during cold or dry periods.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on germinating seeds and the roots of various plants including corn, potatoes, grains, and garden vegetables.
Behavior Patterns
The larval stage can last from 2 to 6 years. They move through the soil vertically based on moisture and temperature; they are known for their hard, smooth, cylindrical bodies.
Risks & Benefits
They are serious agricultural pests that can destroy entire crops by eating the roots or boring into tubers. They offer little benefit to the ecosystem other than being a minor food source for some birds and mammals.