Elaterini
Leach, 1815
Genus Guides
8Elaterini is a tribe of click beetles within the Elateridae, established by Leach in 1815. The tribe contains approximately 7 and 17 described , including the genus Elater, the type genus of the family. Members are characterized by the family-defining prosternal process that engages with a mesosternal cavity to enable the characteristic 'click' mechanism for righting themselves when overturned. The tribe includes genera such as Elater, Sericus, Orthostethus, and Mulsanteus (brown wireworms).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Elaterini: //ɛˌlæˈtɛrɪnaɪ//
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Identification
Identification to tribe level requires examination of the prosternal-mesosternal mechanism that produces the clicking sound, a diagnostic feature of Elateridae. Within Elateridae, tribal assignment depends on detailed morphological characters including antennal structure, tarsal formula, and body form. The Elater, the type genus of both family and tribe, serves as a reference point for tribal characteristics. -level identification requires examination of pronotal and elytral , body proportions, and male genitalia.
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Distribution
The tribe has a broad distribution corresponding to that of its constituent , with records from multiple continents based on GBIF data sources. Specific distribution patterns vary by genus; for example, Mulsanteus (brown wireworms) and other genera have documented occurrences across Palearctic and Nearctic regions.
Behavior
All members possess the -characteristic clicking mechanism: when placed on their backs, beetles flex the body, causing the prosternal spine to slip against the mesosternal groove with an audible click, propelling the into the air to right itself. This is diagnostic for Elateridae and present in all Elaterini.
Human Relevance
The Mulsanteus, commonly known as brown wireworms, has larvae that are agricultural pests. Wireworms in general are the larval forms of click beetles and feed on seeds, roots, and underground plant parts, causing economic damage in crops.
Similar Taxa
- Other Elateridae tribesDistinguished by combinations of antennal , tarsal formula, body shape, and details of the prosternal process structure. Tribal boundaries in Elateridae require careful morphological examination and are subject to ongoing taxonomic revision.
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Taxonomic note
The Elater Linnaeus, 1758 is the type genus of both Elateridae and tribe Elaterini. The tribe was established by Leach in 1815. Data sources indicate this is a well-documented group with substantial observation records (over 12,000 on iNaturalist), though -level diversity is relatively modest at approximately 17 described species across 7 genera.