Eyed Click Beetle: All You Need to Know – Essential Facts & Tips!

The eyed click beetle, also known as the eyed elater, is a fascinating insect commonly found in the eastern part of the United States. These beetles are easily recognizable by their prominent oval eye spots on the thorax, which help deter predators by mimicking the appearance of large eyes.

These beetles inhabit deciduous forests, where their larvae develop within decaying logs and prey on longhorn beetle grubs source. Adult beetles can reach up to 1¾ inches in length and are known for their unique ability to “click.” This clicking behavior, caused by snapping their thoracic segments together, allows them to flip their bodies in the air when placed on their backs, often startling potential predators.

Eyed Click Beetle Overview

Species Identification

The eyed click beetle, scientifically known as Alaus oculatus, is a large click beetle. These distinct insects have two large black spots on their heads that resemble eyes, but their real eyes are actually much smaller and are positioned behind the antennae [^1^]. The eyed click beetle is also referred to by its other common name, the eyed elater.

Family Elateridae

Eyed click beetles belong to the family Elateridae within the order Coleoptera. This family consists of a variety of click beetle species. Here are some characteristics of the family Elateridae:

• Known for “clicking” or “snapping”
• Over 1,000 species in North America
• Unique thoracic snapping mechanism

Comparison Table: Eyed Click Beetle vs. Other Click Beetles

Note: Eyed click beetle sizes, colors, and other features may vary among individuals, but the comparison table highlights some general distinctions.

Examples of the click beetle’s unique ability include their snapping thoracic segments (prothorax and mesothorax) to “click” and flip their bodies when they find themselves on their backs [^2^]. This self-righting mechanism is a noteworthy characteristic of the Elateridae family.

The eastern eyed click beetle, specifically, inhabits the eastern part of the United States, living in deciduous forests where larvae grow in decaying logs and prey on longhorn beetle grubs [^3^].

Physical Characteristics and Behavior

Pronotum and Thorax

The eyed click beetle has an elongated and parallel-sided body. A key feature is the pronotum, a shield-like structure found behind the head. This beetle also has backward projecting corners on its pronotum. Its thorax has an interesting flipping mechanism that helps the beetle right itself when upside down.

Eye Spots

The eyed click beetle gets its name from the eye spots on its pronotum. These eyespots serve to deter predators due to their intimidating appearance. However, the true eyes of this beetle are much smaller and located behind the antennae.

Flipping Mechanism

The flipping mechanism is unique to click beetles. They use this mechanism to snap their bodies with an audible click, propelling them into the air. This helps them correct their position when they are upside down, resembling the motion of a tiddly wink.

Features of the Eyed Click Beetle:

• Elongated, parallel-sided body
• Pronotum with backward projecting corners
• Audible click used for flipping
• Intimidating eye spots on pronotum
• Unique flipping mechanism

Comparison Table of Pronotum in Various Beetles:

By understanding these key physical characteristics and behaviors, you can better recognize and appreciate the unique qualities of the eyed click beetle.

Habitat and Range

Eastern Eyed Click Beetle

The Eastern Eyed Click Beetle, also known as the eyed elater, is a fascinating insect found mainly in the eastern parts of the United States. They thrive in environments like deciduous forests and mixed forests and woodlands.

Some features of their preferred habitat include:

• Presence of decaying logs
• Longhorn beetle grubs as a food source for larvae
• Adequate hiding spots for adults

Adult Eastern Eyed Click Beetles have an impressive adaptation: large, eye-like spots on their pronotum, which deter predators. Their real eyes are significantly smaller, located behind their antennae.

In comparison to other click beetles, the Eastern Eyed Click Beetle is quite large, with some adults reaching up to 1¾ inches in length. This species also has a unique ability to “click” when trying to escape predators or right themselves after being overturned. They achieve this by snapping their bodies, sending them into the air like a small, impressive insect acrobat.

To summarize, the Eastern Eyed Click Beetle primarily inhabits deciduous forests and mixed woodland areas where decaying logs and longhorn beetle grubs are abundant. These environments provide the needed resources for both their larval and adult stages.

Life Cycle

Eggs and Larvae

Eyed Click Beetle females lay their eggs in decaying logs and stumps. The larvae, also known as wireworms, grow within the decaying logs and feed on longhorn beetle grubs. They possess characteristics such as:

• Hard-bodied
• Brownish color
• ½ to 2-½ inch in length
• Cylindrical shape
• Three pairs of tiny true legs behind the head

Pupation and Adult Stage

After completing the larvae stage, the insects pupate and transform into adult Eyed Click Beetles. The adults have the following features:

• Length of up to 1¾ inches
• Large eyespots on the pronotum
• Mottled gray wing covers
• Capable of “clicking” when placed on their backs

Adult Eyed Click Beetles live in deciduous forests, where they continue the life cycle by laying eggs in decayed logs and stumps. Their large eyespots on the thorax help deter predators, while their real eyes are smaller and positioned behind the antennae.

Pros of Eyed Click Beetles:

• Help control longhorn beetle grubs
• A part of the natural ecosystem

Cons of Eyed Click Beetles:

• May be attracted to lights at night

Diet and Predators

Wireworms and Other Prey

Eyed click beetles, also known as eyed elaters, primarily feed on:

• Longhorn beetle grubs
• Other arthropods

Their larvae, called wireworms, have a different diet which includes:

• Earthworms
• Seeds
• Other arthropods

Wireworms can also cause damage to crops such as alfalfa and cotton by feeding on their roots and seeds.

Natural Enemies

Eyed click beetles have several natural enemies such as:

• Birds
• Mammals
• Reptiles
• Spiders

They can defend themselves against these predators using their eyespots, which are large fake eyes on their thorax. The eyespots can startle or deter potential predators.

Note: In some cases, wireworms can pose a threat to beneficial species like:

• Slugs
• Snails
• Crayfish
• Shrimp
• Millipedes
• Centipedes
• Mites
• Spiders
• Other animal species

This can lead to an imbalance in the ecosystem, causing harm to other species.

Human Interaction and Management

As Pests and Infestations

Click beetles, specifically the eyed click beetle (Alaus oculatus), are generally not considered pests. However, their larvae, known as wireworms, can cause damage to various crops. Wireworms are found in the soil, feeding on plant roots and seeds. This negatively affects crop growth in areas with high infestations.

Entomologist Involvement

Entomologists play a crucial role in studying and managing click beetle populations. They research the beetle’s life cycle, habits, and impact on the environment. With this knowledge, entomologists advise on effective pest control methods, protecting both crops and the eco-balance.

Pest Control Methods

There are several ways to control click beetle infestations, including cultural and chemical methods.

Cultural methods:

• Clean cultivation: Regularly tilling the soil to expose wireworms, which are then consumed by birds and other predators.
• Clean fallowing: Leaving the soil bare and well-cultivated between planting seasons to reduce the population of wireworms.

Chemical methods:

• Insecticides: Some chemicals are effective against wireworms but should be used with caution, as they can harm non-target organisms and the environment.

Pros and Cons of Pest Control Methods:

By combining different methods, click beetle populations can be managed effectively, protecting both crops and the ecosystem at large.

Fun Facts and Additional Information

Harmless to Humans and Pets

The eyed click beetle is harmless to humans and pets. They might look intimidating because of their size and large eye spots, but these are just for scaring away predators. In fact, they can’t bite or sting.

Missouri State Insects

Missouri has an abundance of these beetles, and they are commonly found in the eastern part of the country. They reside in the decaying logs of deciduous forests, preying on longhorn beetle grubs.

Other Common Names

Eyed click beetles are also known by other common names, such as:

• Eyed Elater
• Eastern Eyed Click Beetle
• Alaus oculatus (scientific name)

These beetles belong to the order Coleoptera and are characterized by their unique features:

• Large eye spots on the thorax
• Capable of flipping themselves over
• Attracted to lights at night

Comparison: Eyed Click Beetle vs. False Click Beetle

In summary, the eyed click beetle is an interesting and harmless insect found across eastern North America. Its unique characteristics, such as the large eye spots and ability to flip over, make it a fascinating addition to the world of beetles.