Click Beetle (larva)

Natural Habitat

Click beetle larvae (wireworms) live in soil and can be found in fields, gardens, and sometimes greenhouses. Adults are often found on plants, under bark, or in leaf litter.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae (wireworms) are primarily herbivorous, feeding on seeds, roots, and tubers of various plants, including agricultural crops. Some species are predaceous. Adults typically feed on pollen, nectar, or decaying plant matter, and some do not feed at all.

Behavior Patterns

The larva shown is a 'wireworm', which is the larval stage of a click beetle. Wireworms are known for their hard, segmented bodies and their tendency to remain underground. Adults are famous for their ability to 'click' and snap themselves into the air to right themselves if they land on their back. The larval stage can last from 2 to 5 years, making them persistent pests in some agricultural settings.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks: Wireworms (the larvae) are significant agricultural pests, causing damage to a wide range of crops by feeding on seeds, roots, and tubers. This can lead to reduced yields and plant death. Potential benefits: Some species of click beetles, particularly their larvae, can be predatory on other insect pests, offering some biological control. Adults can also contribute to pollination.

Identified on: 9/13/2025