Athous scapularis
(Say, 1839)
Red-shouldered Click Beetle
Athous scapularis is a click beetle in the Elateridae, commonly known as the Red-shouldered Click Beetle. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1839. Click beetles are characterized by a unique clicking mechanism used to right themselves when flipped on their backs. The refers to reddish coloration on the pronotum or shoulder region.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Athous scapularis: /ˈæθɔʊs skæˈpjʊlərɪs/
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Images
Distribution
Eastern Canada including New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. Distribution records from GBIF confirm presence in these provinces.
Behavior
Click beetles possess a prosternal process that fits into a mesosternal groove, creating a clicking mechanism that can launch the into the air to escape or right itself.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
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