Lanelater sallei
Lanelater sallei is a of click beetle in the Elateridae. The species has been used in biomechanical studies investigating the jumping mechanism of click beetles, which rely on a prosternal spine and mesosternal notch to produce an audible click that launches the into the air. Studies using this species have supported hypotheses about the evolution and function of the clicking mechanism in elaterids.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lanelater sallei: /ˈlæ.nɛˌleɪtər ˈsæl.i/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Behavior
When disturbed, exhibits (death feigning) with legs and appressed to the body. The prosternal spine fits into a mesosternal notch; when the arches its and pronotum, the spine retracts from the notch and elastic energy is stored in thoracic muscles. The spine then slides past the notch edge, releasing stored energy to snap back into the notch cavity with sufficient force to produce an audible click and launch the beetle vertically. The beetle does not moderate jumping force and relies on random chance (approximately 50% probability) for upright landing. Jump height is dramatically reduced on soft substrates such as foliage due to energy absorption.
Human Relevance
Has been used in scientific research on the biomechanics of the click beetle jumping mechanism, including studies on jump height and substrate effects.
Similar Taxa
- Alaus oculatusBoth are click beetles (Elateridae) with prominent spots on the pronotum and similar clicking defensive mechanisms, though Alaus oculatus is larger and has more conspicuous false eye spots.