Sericus

Eschscholtz, 1829

Species Guides

3

Sericus is a of click beetles ( Elateridae) established by Eschscholtz in 1829. The genus contains distributed across Eurasia and North America, including the notable species Sericus brunneus (Linnaeus, 1758). Members of this genus are characterized by the typical click beetle with the ability to perform a jumping reflex when disturbed. The genus is part of the tribe Elaterini within the Elaterinae.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sericus: //ˈsɛrɪkʊs//

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Distribution

Eurasia and Northern America. Specific distribution records include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Vermont, United States.

Behavior

Possesses the click beetle jumping reflex mechanism, where the can rapidly flex its body to propel itself into the air when overturned or threatened.

Misconceptions

The name 'Sericus' has been used in rotifer (Macrochaetus sericus, a rotifer ), which is unrelated to this . These represent homonymous usage across entirely different .

More Details

Taxonomic note

The name Sericus has been applied to unrelated organisms: this genus (Arthropoda: Insecta: Coleoptera) and a rotifer Macrochaetus sericus (Rotifera: Monogononta). These are not taxonomically related.

Sources and further reading