Bug Identifier
Wireworm (larva of the Click Beetle)
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.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.