Subject: B/W bug
Location: Poynette, WI
June 8, 2014 2:56 pm
This bugger was spotted near poynette, WI on Lake Wisconsin. I’ve lived in WI all my life and never seen this flying critter.
Signature: Heather
Dear Heather,
This large, distinctive Click Beetle is commonly called an Eyed Elater, and the false eyes are a form of protective mimicry that will prevent a predator like a bird from attacking the Eyed Elater as it created the illusion of it being a much larger creature.
Thank you so very much. I wish I knew that he wouldn’t be likely to hurt me when I saw him and had the opportunity it hear/ see him click.
Heather