Elateridae

Definition

A large, cosmopolitan family of beetles (order Coleoptera, superfamily Elateroidea) commonly known as click beetles, characterized by a unique thoracic clicking mechanism used for righting and locomotion. The prosternal spine engages with a mesosternal notch to produce a violent snap that can launch the beetle into the air. The family comprises approximately 9,300 described species worldwide, including economically important groups such as wireworms (larvae of Agriotes and related genera) that damage crop roots, and bioluminescent genera such as Pyrophorus.

Etymology

From Greek elater (driver, that which drives away) + -idae (family suffix)

Example

Wireworms, the soil-dwelling larvae of Elateridae such as Agriotes lineatus, are major agricultural pests of cereals and potatoes, while adult Pyrophorus species produce bright greenish bioluminescence from paired thoracic organs.

Synonyms

• Click beetles
• elaters
• snapping beetles
• skipjacks
• spring beetles

Related Terms

• Elateroidea
• Coleoptera
• Prosternum
• mesosternum
• Wireworm
• Bioluminescence
• Pyrophorus
• Agriotes

Usage Notes

The common name 'click beetle' refers specifically to the audible thoracic mechanism; not all Elateroidea possess this trait, though most elaterid subfamilies do. Larvae are frequently called wireworms regardless of genus. The family was established by William Elford Leach in 1815.