Athous haemorrhoidalis
This record describes Athous haemorrhoidalis (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Approximately 15 mm long, this brown beetle has elytra covered in fine brown hairs. Found in hedgerows and meadows. The adults can be found on various types of vegetation. Like all click beetles, it can flick itself into the air when laid on its back - an action which makes a click sound. The larvae feed on roots and can become a pest of root crops.
Wikipedia reference for Athous haemorrhoidalis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athous_haemorrhoidalis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Elateridae (Click Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dendrometrinae
- Tribe
- Dendrometrini
- Genus
- Athous
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in hedgerows and meadows. The adults can be found on various types of vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Like all click beetles, it can flick itself into the air when laid on its back - an action which makes a click sound. The larvae feed on roots and can become a pest of root crops.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common throughout Britain
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Athous haemorrhoidalis. 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 Athous haemorrhoidalis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Athous haemorrhoidalis
What is Athous haemorrhoidalis?
Athous haemorrhoidalis is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Athous haemorrhoidalis found?
Habitat: Found in hedgerows and meadows. The adults can be found on various types of vegetation.
When is Athous haemorrhoidalis active?
Athous haemorrhoidalis: seasonal activity - May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Athous haemorrhoidalis?
Like all click beetles, it can flick itself into the air when laid on its back - an action which makes a click sound. The larvae feed on roots and can become a pest of root crops.