Do Click Beetles Bite? Debunking Myths and Facts

Click beetles are fascinating insects known for their unique clicking mechanism, which they use primarily as a defense to escape or startle potential predators. These beetles belong to the family Elateridae, and while they can be somewhat intimidating in appearance, many people wonder if they pose any threat to humans through biting.

In fact, click beetles are generally harmless to humans, as they do not bite or sting. Although they might have reddish, yellowish, or dark body coloration and can vary in size depending on the species, their main focus is on avoiding danger rather than inflicting harm. So, if you encounter a click beetle, rest assured that it poses no threat to you.

Click Beetles Overview

Identification and Features

Click beetles are insects belonging to the family Elateridae within the order Coleoptera. Some key features include:

• Elongated, parallel-sided body
• Shield-like pronotum behind the head
• Backward projections on side corners of the pronotum
• Somewhat flattened appearance

Their size and color vary by species, with some smaller species measuring about 1/4 inches long¹.

Species and Distribution

Click beetles can be found in various regions across the United States and Canada. The Eyed Click Beetle is a well-known species that has striking appearance and can catch the attention of entomologists². Another related family of beetles is the Eucnemidae, known as false click beetles³. They are similar in appearance to click beetles, and some species can even “click.”

Here’s a comparison table for click beetles and false click beetles (Eucnemidae):

In summary, click beetles are a distinctive group of insects within the order Coleoptera. They are identified by their elongated bodies, shield-like pronotum, and clicking ability. They can be found across the United States and Canada, and have close relatives in the Eucnemidae family.

Click Beetles Behavior and Biology

Life Cycle and Development

Click beetles undergo a complete metamorphosis, consisting of four stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults¹. Their larvae, known as “wireworms,” are generally hard-bodied, brown, and cylindrical². The life cycle duration varies depending on species and environmental conditions³.

• Eggs: Tiny and white, laid in soil⁴
• Larvae: Called “wireworms”⁵
• Pupae: Transform in the soil⁶
• Adults: Attain a hard shell and functional wings⁷

Diet and Predation

Click beetles are majorly omnivorous⁸. Wireworms feed on plant roots, while the adults consume nectar, pollen, and sometimes other insects⁹. A few examples of their potential prey include aphids and mites¹⁰. Their diet may vary across species¹¹.

Nocturnal Activities

Being nocturnal creatures, click beetles are most active during the night¹². Alaus oculatus, also known as the eastern eyed click beetle, is one such nocturnal species¹³. They use their bioluminescent properties to communicate and find potential mates¹⁴.

Bioluminescent Species

A few click beetles, like those belonging to the Alaus genus, exhibit bioluminescence¹⁵. For example, Alaus oculatus has two luminescent spots on the pronotum (thorax region) that look like eyes, giving them an illusion of being a larger predator¹⁶. Some of their bioluminescent features include:

• Bright spots: Located on the thorax¹⁷
• Bioluminescent organ: Emits greenish-blue light¹⁸
• Purpose: Attracts mates, scares off predators¹⁹

Do Click Beetles Bite

Interaction with Humans

Click beetles generally do not pose a significant threat to humans. They are not known for their biting behavior, as their mandibles are not strong enough to inflict pain on humans. In fact, their primary interaction with humans is when they are accidentally encountered, and they might use their clicking mechanism to momentarily startle people.

Potential Threats

Although click beetles are not harmful to humans, they can potentially cause some damage to various plants. The larvae of click beetles, called wireworms, feed on underground plant parts, such as roots and tubers. This feeding behavior can negatively impact the growth and health of the affected plants. However, this damage is usually minor and does not lead to severe consequences for humans.

In summary, click beetles are not known to bite humans or pose any significant threat. They are merely curious insects that prefer to interact with their environment rather than humans.

Click Beetles and Agriculture

Wireworms and Crop Damage

Click beetles belong to the family of beetles called Elateridae, and their larvae are known as wireworms. Wireworms are hard-bodied, brownish, and cylindrical, and they can cause significant damage to various crops. For example:

• Wireworms attack crops like potatoes, corn, and wheat
• They can feed on seeds, roots, and stem bases

The infestation of wireworms may lead to reduced crop yield or even complete crop failure in severe cases.

Pest Control Methods

Managing wireworms in agriculture involves a combination of techniques to control and prevent infestations. Some common methods include:

• Clean cultivation: Regularly tilling and cultivating the soil to disrupt the wireworms’ habitat
• Clean fallowing: Leaving fields fallow and weed-free to deprive wireworms of a food source
• Insecticides: Using chemical treatments to control the pest population

However, each method has its pros and cons. For understanding differences, here’s a comparison table:

Besides these techniques, extension services and integrated pest management strategies may also be utilized to ensure a healthy, pest-free environment in gardens and crop fields.

Identifying and Preventing Infestations

Signs of Click Beetle Presence

Click beetles are elongated, parallel-sided insects that can be identified by backward projections on the side corners of the shield behind the head (pronotum).

• Adults are usually brown to black in color, though some species have reddish tones.
• They are somewhat flattened and can range in size depending on the species.
• One key identifier is their “clicking” sound, which they use as a defense mechanism.

These beetles tend to prefer environments with moist conditions, making decaying logs and similar habitats attractive to them.

Preventive Measures

Proper identification and prevention can help reduce the likelihood of a click beetle infestation.

• Keep moisture content low in your home or property to make it less attractive to click beetles.
• Store firewood off the ground and away from your home, as they can be found in decaying wood.
• Regularly inspect your home for potential entry points, sealing any cracks or holes.
• Consult with a professional pest control company like Orkin for further advice on prevention and management.

In comparison to other beetles such as soldier beetles, scarab beetles, or blister beetles, click beetles are less likely to bite humans and are generally considered to be less of a threat. However, proper identification and prevention measures are still necessary to avoid any potential issues with these insects.