Texas Click Beetle
Alaus lusciosus
This record describes Alaus lusciosus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
White markings on elytra are more clumped and patchy than those of A. oculatus , which has smaller, more evenly dispersed white spots. A. zunianus has very similar coloration but probably does not overlap in range. (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to JSR, 2008)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Agrypninae
- Tribe
- Hemirhipini
- Genus
- Alaus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
KS‒TX‒AZ; Mexico ; s., c. and parts of e.TX (E.G. Riley, pers.comm. to JSR, 2008)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Alaus lusciosus (Hope 1832)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Alaus lusciosus. 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 Texas Click Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Click Beetle
What is Texas Click Beetle?
Texas Click Beetle (Alaus lusciosus) is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Texas Click Beetle?
26‒45 mm
How do you identify Texas Click Beetle?
White markings on elytra are more clumped and patchy than those of A. oculatus , which has smaller, more evenly dispersed white spots. A. zunianus has very similar coloration but probably does not overlap in range. (E.G. Riley, pers. comm. to JSR, 2008)
Where is Texas Click Beetle found?
Range: KS‒TX‒AZ; Mexico ; s., c. and parts of e.TX (E.G. Riley, pers.comm. to JSR, 2008)