Elateridae
Pronunciation: [El⋅a⋅TER·i·dae]
Common Name: Click Beetles
Description: Click beetles are unique in their ability to ‘click’ and jump. The clicking noise is produced by the flexible union of the prothorax, mesothorax and the prosternal spine. Other defining characteristics include an elongate body with parallel sides and a serrate antenna. In addition, the lateral margins of the prothorax point backward. The adults are phytophagous and are found in flowers or bark. The larvae, called wireworms, are destructive to plants, seeds, and roots.
Spot ID Key Characters:
- Lateral margins of prothorax point backward
- Prosternal spine works as “click” mechanism
- Body elongate and parallel-sided
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Order: Coleoptera
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