Actenicerus

Kiesenwetter, 1858

Marsh Click Beetles

Species Guides

1

Actenicerus is a of click beetles (Elateridae: Dendrometrinae) comprising approximately 37 distributed primarily across the Northern Hemisphere, with exceptional diversity in Japan where 26 species are . The genus includes the well-documented Marsh Click- (A. siaelandicus), a Palaearctic wetland . Members exhibit the 's characteristic escape mechanism—producing an audible click to right themselves when overturned.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Actenicerus: /ækˈtɛnɪsərəs/

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Habitat

Wetland including raised mires, blanket bogs, wet moorland, fenland, water meadows, and wet heaths. Often associated with sphagnum moss and purple moor-grass (Molinia caerulea). overwinter in sheltered locations such as grass tussocks, sphagnum, and under wood.

Distribution

Northern Hemisphere distribution with about 37 ; 26 species to Japan. The Palaearctic species A. siaelandicus ranges from Ireland to Korea. In Britain, common and widespread in south-east England and Wales, local elsewhere; declined in south and east England and East Anglia due to loss. Records also from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Vermont (USA).

Seasonality

most numerous from May to July; overwinter as adults.

Life Cycle

Larval stage lasts at least two seasons. occurs for a few weeks in late summer to early autumn. overwinter.

Behavior

Possesses a clicking/jumping escape mechanism used when threatened or when overturned, producing an audible sound. occasionally found on scrub and vegetation, rarely collected from flowers including hawthorn (Crataegus) blossom.

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