Idolus columbianus

(Brown, 1933)

Idolus columbianus is a of click beetle in the Elateridae, first described by Brown in 1933. As a member of this family, it possesses the characteristic ability to right itself when overturned through a specialized "clicking" mechanism involving a prosternal spine and mesosternal groove. The Idolus is part of the diverse elaterid fauna of North America.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Idolus columbianus: /ˈiː.do.lus kəˌlʌm.biˈeɪ.nəs/

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Behavior

Click beetles (Elateridae) possess a unique escape mechanism: when placed on their backs, they can rapidly flex the body to produce an audible click and launch themselves into the air, typically landing on their feet.

Sources and further reading