Click Beetle

Typically found in soil, under bark, or in decaying wood outdoors; they are often attracted to porch lights at night and may accidentally enter homes through windows or doors.

Adults primarily feed on nectar, plant juices, and soft plant tissues; larvae (known as wireworms) feed on roots, seeds, and underground stems.

Notable for their unique defense mechanism: if turned on their back, they use a hinge-like structure between their thorax and abdomen to produce a sharp 'click' sound and flip themselves into the air to right themselves or escape predators. They are nocturnal and are attracted to artificial light sources.

They are harmless to humans and do not bite, sting, or carry diseases. While the larvae (wireworms) can be agricultural pests by damaging crop roots, the adults are considered nuisances rather than threats when found indoors. In the ecosystem, they serve as a food source for birds and small mammals.