Agriotes sputator
This record describes Agriotes sputator (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size about 9mm - a mid brown species of click beetle. Note that A. lineatus may look similar, but the stripes along the elytra in that species have a two-tone dark and light appearance. Agriotes obscurus is another similar species, but the pronotum here is much more strongly contracted towards the front. Conversely, in A. sputator , the pronotum is more nearly parallel-sided and much less strongly contracted to the front. Meadows and grassy places, also in cereal crops. An early species likely to be encountered from late March onwards. The long lived larvae feed on the roots of grasses and other plants. Fairly widespread and quite frequent in the southern half of Britain. No additional images available for this species.
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
Meadows and grassy places, also in cereal crops.
Seasonal Activity
An early species likely to be encountered from late March onwards.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The long lived larvae feed on the roots of grasses and other plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly widespread and quite frequent in the southern half of Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agriotes sputator. 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 sputator (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agriotes sputator
What is Agriotes sputator?
Agriotes sputator is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agriotes sputator?
about 9mm - a mid brown species of click beetle.
Where is Agriotes sputator found?
Habitat: Meadows and grassy places, also in cereal crops.
When is Agriotes sputator active?
Agriotes sputator: seasonal activity - An early species likely to be encountered from late March onwards..
What is the life cycle of a Agriotes sputator?
The long lived larvae feed on the roots of grasses and other plants.