Finding a click beetle, and watching it flip itself over, is as exciting as it gets with nature, especially for children. The dramatic flip and audible sound that they make when they do is almost always followed by a scream or giggle. And sadly, for the poor beetle, repeat performances are required, at least until it stops on its own. But what are these critters and why do they flip out.
Of the hundreds of species of click beetles in North America, the largest and most often encountered is the Eastern Eyed Click Beetle (Alaus oculatus). Adults can be upwards of 2 inches long, and sport two large “eyespots” on their thorax, that help them scare would be predators. Apart from the fake eyes, their white-speckled coloration is also dramatic. They are often attracted to porch lights where many are encountered.
As for the flip, that action serves two purposes. Should a predator decide that their eyespots are not so scary, the beetles can flip themselves away from the danger, often repeatedly. And should a beetle land on its back, they can easily flip back over on their feet. The flip is accomplished by forcing a tiny peg against a groove between their thorax and abdomen that creates tension that, when released, flings the beetle into the air. The click is the sound of these parts being forced apart.
When not flipping about, adult beetles feed on nectar during their relatively short lives, usually emerging in summer. The bulk of their lives are spent as elongated larvae known as wireworms. These are hard bodied and yellow to brown in color. Most are found in rotting logs or in the top layers of soil. In the case of Eastern Eyed Click Beetles, their larvae are predators of other beetle larvae that live in rotting logs. All click beetles are beneficial insects in our landscapes.
And although smaller, less dramatically colored, click beetles are around, they are less obvious and look like any other beetle you may encounter. They are also attracted to lights, so look for long, slender beetles on your porch. If you are brave enough to pick up one of these beetles, a flip out of your hand will give it away as a click beetle. Show them to a child and wait for the screams and giggles.
Hope to see you in our great outdoors!
Photo of an Eastern Eyed Click Beetle courtesy of Scott Ash.