Athous rufiventris

(Eschscholtz, 1822)

Red-bellied Click Beetle

Species Guides

Athous rufiventris is a of click beetle in the Elateridae, described by Eschscholtz in 1822. The species is commonly known as the Red-bellied Click Beetle, a name derived from its distinctive reddish abdominal coloration. As a member of the Athous, it possesses the characteristic clicking mechanism used for righting itself when overturned. The species has been documented through 122 iNaturalist observations, though its taxonomic status in some databases is marked as doubtful, suggesting potential nomenclatural issues requiring further verification.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Athous rufiventris: /ˈæ.θaʊs ˌruː.fɪˈvɛn.trɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other Athous by the combination of reddish abdominal coloration and overall consistent with the . The 'Red-bellied Click Beetle' directly references the diagnostic coloration. Accurate identification to species level may require examination of antennal structure, pronotal shape, and elytral striation patterns, as is typical for Elateridae.

Distribution

Specific geographic range not documented in available sources; distribution data insufficient to characterize.

Behavior

Possesses the -characteristic clicking mechanism: when overturned, the can snap its prosternal spine into a mesosternal groove, producing an audible click and propelling itself into the air to right itself.

More Details

Taxonomic Status Note

The is listed as 'DOUBTFUL' in GBIF, indicating potential nomenclatural uncertainty or need for taxonomic revision. The authority is given as (Eschscholtz, 1822).

Observation Record

Documented by 122 observations on iNaturalist as of data compilation, suggesting it is not exceptionally rare but may be under-recorded due to identification challenges within the Athous.