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Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
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Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
Click Beetles come in a variety of colors and patterns, but they are all slow walkers and quick to click and flip.
Click Beetles are slender, elongated beetles that do not harm people. Many are black, but species may also be brown, reddish brown and shades inbetween. They are famous for the noise they make when they need to make a hasty escape from a predator. A stiff spine on the anterior (belly) side of the beetle snaps with great force, propelling the beetle away from danger. This snap creates an audible click. The force is even strong enough to flip a beetle stuck on its back, back to its feet. An upside-down beetle is a helpless one so rapidly returning to an upright position can save its life.
Larvae of this genus of Click Beetles are called wireworms. They are skinny and feed on the roots and tubers of crops such as corn, potatoes and wheat. They are considered a pest as they move from plant to plant underground and may do so for years before pupating into adults.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Coleoptera
Family:Elateridae
Genus:Melanotus
Species:spp.
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Melanotus spp.
Other Name(s): Skipjack Beetle, Jacknife Beetle
Category: Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 10mm to 18mm (0.39in to 0.70in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Beetle Anatomy
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Antennae: Beetles have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
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Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and mandibles (jaws).
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Thorax: Holds the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
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Elytron: One of two wing cases on a Beetle that protects its wings (plural: elytra).
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Wings: Appendages used for flying and kept under the elytra until needed.
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Abdomen: Houses organs related to circulation, reproduction, and excretion.
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Legs: Beetles have three pairs of legs located at the thorax, numbering six legs in all.
Colors: brown, black 
