A spectacular black-and-white click beetle with two large prominent eyespots on the pronotum. Among the most photogenic North American beetles.

Also called: Eyed Click Beetle, Eastern Eyed Elater

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 2.5–4.5 cm
Weight~1.5 g
LifespanAdults 2–3 months; full cycle 2–4 years
OrderColeoptera
FamilyElateridae

§ Encyclopedia

Alaus oculatus, commonly called the eastern eyed click beetle or eyed elater, is a species of click beetle.

Source: Wikipedia — Alaus oculatus Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium-large flat black beetle with two large striking white-edged eyespots on the thorax; distinctive elongated body shape; loud click mechanism on underside.

Similar species. Other click beetle species (different patterns; smaller). Other beetles with eyespots (rare; different families).

Voice. Loud audible "click" when escaping or righting itself.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Adults: nectar, pollen, sap, leaves. Larvae ("wireworms"): wood-decomposing fungi, occasional insect larvae.

Behavior. Among the most distinctive North American beetles. Famous "eyespot" pattern (large false eyes on thorax) likely deters predators by mimicking a much larger animal. When threatened, can "click" by snapping a specialized spine; the mechanism flips the beetle into the air (up to 25 cm high), startling predators and giving an escape route. Larvae live in rotted hardwood, feeding on wood-decay fungi and helping decompose forest debris.

§ Range

Eastern US

§ Habitat

Mature deciduous forests

§ Threats

Forest loss, removal of dead wood from forests.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern eyed click beetle is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Leave dead wood in forests. Maintain mature woodlands.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • BugGuide
  • University of Florida IFAS Extension
  • iNaturalist