Do Eastern Eyed Click Beetles Bite? Debunking the Myth

Eastern eyed click beetles, or Alaus oculatus, are fascinating insects well-known for their unique flipping ability. When turned over on their back, these beetles use an audible “click” to flip themselves into the air and land on their feet, a skill that acts as a natural defense mechanism source.

These large beetles are easily identifiable by their elongated bodies and the two large, eye-like spots near their head, which are thought to scare away potential predators. While their intriguing appearance and behavior might make people curious about their interactions with them, it’s essential to know whether eastern eyed click beetles pose any risk, such as biting.

Overview of Eastern Eyed Click Beetles

Scientific Name and Classification

The Eastern Eyed Click Beetle belongs to the Animalia kingdom, the Arthropoda phylum, and the Insecta class. Its scientific name is Alaus oculatus and it is a member of the Elateridae family within the Coleoptera order. The Elateridae family comprises a diverse group of beetles commonly known as “click beetles.”

Distribution in North America

Eastern Eyed Click Beetles, also referred to as Eyed Click Beetles, are prevalent in North America, particularly in the eastern regions. They inhabit deciduous forests where they play a role in the ecosystem by helping to decompose wood and control the population of other insects.

Physical Characteristics

Size and Length

• Eastern eyed click beetles are one of the larger click beetles in their region.
• Adults can reach up to almost 2 inches in length ¹.

Eyespots and False eyes

• These beetles have two large black spots near their head that resemble eyes ¹.
• The spots, called eyespots, are thought to scare away predators.

Elytra and Thorax

• The beetles’ body is somewhat flattened and covered with a hard shell, called an elytra ².
• The pronotum, a shield-like structure behind the head, features backward projections on the side corners ².

Behavior and Life Cycle

Larvae and Pupa Stages

Eastern eyed click beetles start their life as larvae, known as wireworms. These wireworms are:

• Hard-bodied
• Brownish
• Cylindrical
• Around ½ to 2-½ inches long

They reside in decaying logs in woodland areas and feed on longhorn beetle grubs during their development before turning into pupae.

Feeding and Diet

Adult eastern eyed click beetles feed on nectar and other parts of vegetation. Here are some examples of their favorite food sources:

• Flowers
• Leaves
• Fruits

Larvae, on the other hand, are predators that primarily feed on longhorn beetle grubs within their decaying log habitats.

Reproduction and Eggs

Eastern eyed click beetles mate and lay their eggs in forest environments, particularly near decaying logs. This strategic location ensures the following stages of development:

• Larvae have easy access to grubs as their primary food source
• Larvae are protected within the log until they become pupae and eventually turn into adult beetles

Defense and Predation

Click Mechanism and Sound

The Eastern Eyed Click Beetle (Alaus oculatus) is known for its unique click mechanism that allows it to quickly right itself when flipped onto its back. This clicking action occurs when the beetle snaps its body, producing an audible sound.

• Click mechanism examples:
  • Escaping potential predators
  • Moving to a more desirable position

Mimicry and Bioluminescent

These beetles are also noted for their mimicry, displaying two large black spots resembling eyes to deter predators. While Alaus oculatus is not bioluminescent, some click beetles exhibit this characteristic to attract prey or repel predators.

• Mimicry examples:
  • Eastern Eyed Click Beetle’s black spots mimicking eyes
• Bioluminescent examples:
  • Glowing Click Beetle (Pyrophorus spp.)

Predators and Flies

Eastern Eyed Click Beetles have a range of natural predators, including birds and small mammals. Their larvae, known as wireworms, grow in decaying logs and prey on wood-boring beetles’ grubs. One potential predator that may be deterred by the black spots is the bird fly, a type of parasitic fly.

• Predator examples:
  • Birds
  • Small mammals
• Bird Fly example:
  • Hippoboscid fly

Comparison Table: Eastern Eyed Click Beetle vs. Glowing Click Beetle

Impact on Human Environment

Pest Infestation and Crops

Eastern eyed click beetles (Alaus oculatus) are generally not considered major pests in agricultural settings. Their larvae, commonly referred to as wireworms, feed on the grubs of longhorn beetles found in decaying logs. Although they occasionally infest crops, a few instances are minimal.

Example of impacted crops:

• Corn
• Wheat
• Potatoes

Characteristics of wireworm infestation:

• Irregular plant growth
• Yellowing of leaves
• Dead plants

Pesticides and Control Measures

Control measures for click beetle and wireworm infestations in crops begin with regular monitoring. It is essential to recognize and address any potential infestations to limit crop loss.

Methods for monitoring:

• Soil examination
• Bait stations
• Sticky traps

When the infestation is confirmed, applying appropriate pesticides is the next step. Remember to use label directions as a guideline for proper pesticide application.

Pros of using pesticides:

• Control infestations effectively
• Protect crop yield

Cons of using pesticides:

• Harmful to non-target species
• May lead to pesticide resistance

In summary, the eastern eyed click beetle plays a minor role in impacting the human environment. While its larvae, referred to as wireworms, can infest crops, they are not significant pests. Crop monitoring and appropriate pesticide use serve as effective control measures.

Conservation and Habitat

Natural Environment

The Eastern Eyed Click Beetle (Alaus oculatus) is primarily found in the eastern parts of the U.S and Canada. They are commonly seen in:

• Deciduous forests
• Wooded areas
• Grasslands

These beetles are known for their ability to fly and their distinctive black spots near their head that resemble eyes.

Woodlands and Grasses

In woodlands and grassy environments, Eastern Eyed Click Beetle usually thrive in areas where:

• Decaying logs are present
• Longhorn beetle grubs are abundant

They require such habitats, as their larvae feed on these beetle grubs found in decaying logs ¹(https://hgic.clemson.edu/eastern-eyed-click-beetle/).

Role in Ecosystem

Eastern Eyed Click Beetles play a significant role in the ecosystem:

• They help break down decaying wood
• They control longhorn beetle grub populations

Their presence in woodlands and grasslands also serves as an indication of a healthy ecosystem.

Links to other sections related to Eastern Eyed Click Beetles are as follows:

• Diet and Predators
• Reproduction and Lifecycle
• Pest Control and Prevention