elaterids

Elaterids, commonly known as click beetles, are a family of beetles belonging to the order Coleoptera. This large family comprises over 10,000 species worldwide, found in diverse habitats from tropical rainforests to temperate grasslands. A defining characteristic of elaterids is their ability to produce a "click" sound and a sudden jerk when turned onto their backs. This is achieved through a unique mechanism involving a spine on the prosternum and a groove on the mesosternum. When threatened or disoriented, the beetle can flex and then release this spine, propelling itself into the air.

Adult elaterids exhibit a wide range of sizes and colors, though many are elongated and somewhat flattened in shape. Their diet varies, with some species feeding on pollen, nectar, or other insects, while others are not known to feed as adults. The larval stage, often referred to as wireworms, is where elaterids can have significant ecological and economic impact. Wireworms are typically cylindrical, hard-bodied, and burrow in the soil, feeding on plant roots, seeds, and decaying organic matter. Some species are considered serious agricultural pests, damaging crops such as corn, potatoes, and grains. Conversely, other wireworms are beneficial decomposers or predators of other soil-dwelling invertebrates. The life cycle of elaterids can be prolonged, with larval development sometimes taking several years before pupation and emergence of the adult beetle.