Agriotes lineatus
This record describes Agriotes lineatus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This 'click beetle' is relatively easy to identify due to the light and dark stripes along the length of its elytra. In grasses and other vegetation and amongst crops. The larvae, commonly called wireworms, live underground for up to four years where they feed on the roots of many different plants. They can be pests by eating potatoes and other crops. Widespread and fairly common in England as far north as Staffordshire and Cheshire. Welsh records are mainly from costal areas. Only scattered and historical records in northern England and Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Elaterinae
- Tribe
- Agriotini
- Genus
- Agriotes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In grasses and other vegetation and amongst crops.
Seasonal Activity
Peaking May and June
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae, commonly called wireworms, live underground for up to four years where they feed on the roots of many different plants. They can be pests by eating potatoes and other crops.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly common in England as far north as Staffordshire and Cheshire. Welsh records are mainly from costal areas. Only scattered and historical records in northern England and Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agriotes lineatus. 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 lineatus (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agriotes lineatus
What is Agriotes lineatus?
Agriotes lineatus is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agriotes lineatus?
of its elytra.
Where is Agriotes lineatus found?
Habitat: In grasses and other vegetation and amongst crops.
When is Agriotes lineatus active?
Agriotes lineatus: seasonal activity - Peaking May and June.
What is the life cycle of a Agriotes lineatus?
The larvae, commonly called wireworms, live underground for up to four years where they feed on the roots of many different plants. They can be pests by eating potatoes and other crops.