Blind Click Beetle
Alaus myops
This record describes Alaus myops (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Blind Click Beetle (Alaus myops) is a species in the family Elateridae, commonly known as click beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Agrypninae, tribe Hemirhipini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Elateroidea. This species belongs to the genus Alaus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 20‒42 mm. It is found in Pine and mixed pine/deciduous forests. Active during Spring (Apr‒Jun), apparently about earlier than A. oculatus , which flies in mid-summer (P. Coin, pers. observation in NC).
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
Habitat
Pine and mixed pine/deciduous forests ( 4 )
Geographic Range
QC‒FL to MB‒TX
Seasonal Activity
Spring (Apr‒Jun), apparently about earlier than A. oculatus , which flies in mid-summer (P. Coin, pers. observation in NC)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae prey on beetle larvae in pines ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Alaus myops ( Fabricius 1801)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Alaus myops. 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 Blind Click Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Stephen_WV , Mike Quinn , v belov , Chuck Sexton
Frequently Asked Questions About Blind Click Beetle
What is Blind Click Beetle?
Blind Click Beetle (Alaus myops) is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Blind Click Beetle?
20‒42 mm
Where is Blind Click Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Pine and mixed pine/deciduous forests ( 4 ) |
| Range | QC‒FL to MB‒TX |
What does Blind Click Beetle eat?
The diet of the Blind Click Beetle includes Larvae prey on beetle larvae in pines ( 5 ).
When is Blind Click Beetle active?
Blind Click Beetle: seasonal activity - Spring (Apr‒Jun), apparently about earlier than A. oculatus , which flies in mid-summer (P. Coin, pers. observation in NC).