False click beetles

Definition

A family of beetles (Eucnemidae) in the superfamily Elateroidea, so named because they resemble true click beetles (Elateridae) in body form and the ability to 'click' or spring using a prosternal process, but differ in larval morphology and adult details of the thoracic locking mechanism. The approximately 1,700 described species are distributed worldwide, with larvae typically developing in decaying wood and fungal substrates.

Etymology

Example

Larvae of false click beetles such as those in the genus Eucnemis are often found in moist, decaying hardwood logs, where they feed on fungal hyphae and soft wood, in contrast to the more elongate, wireworm-like larvae of true click beetles that frequent soil and roots.

Synonyms

• Eucnemidae

Related Terms

• Click beetles
• Elateridae
• Elateroidea
• prosternal process
• wireworms
• decaying wood fauna

Usage Notes

The common name distinguishes Eucnemidae from the true click beetles (Elateridae); both families possess a clicking mechanism for righting themselves when overturned, but differ in the structure of the mesosternal groove and the form of the prosternal spine. Some sources (e.g., EOL) also apply 'false click beetles' or 'small false click beetles' to the related family Throscidae, which can cause ambiguity; in strict usage, the name refers to Eucnemidae. Adults are often collected at lights or by sifting forest litter and decaying wood.