smokey mountain bug ??
Location: East Tennessee, Smokey Mountains
March 25, 2012 2:36 pm
Found this bug hanging out on a budding tree March 25, 2012 in the Great Smokey Mnts. What do you think it is ??
Signature: Shawn Ricker
Dear Shawn,
This magnificent Click Beetle is called the Eyed Elater because of the markings on its thorax that resemble the eyes of a march larger creature, which helps to protect the beetle from being eaten. Like other members of its family, if the Eyed Elater finds itself on its back, it snaps its body against the ground, producing a clicking sound and propelling its body into the air, allowing it to land on its feet.