Agriotes acuminatus
This record describes Agriotes acuminatus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a brown click beetle, the head often appearing darker than the elytra. Ridges are visible running the length of the elytra. The legs and antennae are a light brown colour. Dalopius marginatus is very similar but is usually more reddish brown and has thinner, almost filamentous antennae. A wide range of habitats, predominantly broadleaved woodland but also agricultural land, grasslands and scrub and gardens. Adults emerge in May and can be present into July. Larvae develop in soil, feeding on the roots of a range of grass species. Widely distributed and fairly frequent in England and Wales. Very few, scattered records from Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Elateridae
- Genus
- Agriotes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A wide range of habitats, predominantly broadleaved woodland but also agricultural land, grasslands and scrub and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Adults emerge in May and can be present into July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae develop in soil, feeding on the roots of a range of grass species.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widely distributed and fairly frequent in England and Wales. Very few, scattered records from Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agriotes acuminatus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Agriotes acuminatus (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agriotes acuminatus
What is Agriotes acuminatus?
Agriotes acuminatus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agriotes acuminatus?
of the elytra. The legs and antennae are a light brown colour.
Where is Agriotes acuminatus found?
Habitat: A wide range of habitats, predominantly broadleaved woodland but also agricultural land, grasslands and scrub and gardens.
When is Agriotes acuminatus active?
Agriotes acuminatus: seasonal activity - Adults emerge in May and can be present into July..
What is the life cycle of a Agriotes acuminatus?
Larvae develop in soil, feeding on the roots of a range of grass species.