Marsh Click Beetle
Actenicerus sjaelandicus
This record describes Actenicerus sjaelandicus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size 10 to 16mm. A large species, varying in shade from rather grey-brown to chestnut-brown. A fairly dense covering of lighter grey coloured hairs gives the pronotum and elytra a patterned appearance and strong ridges running down the length of the elytra are visible. The legs and antennae are unicolourous with the rest of the insect. The antennae are around the length of the head and pronotum or slightly longer. Adults emerge in May and can be found on the leaves and flowers of various herbaceous plants and trees, particularly Willow species and on Sedges. Larvae develop underground in soil and feed on the roots of a variety of plants. Most common in west Wales, becoming scarcer into the Midlands, Norfolk/Suffolk, the south-east and south coast. Isolated populations occur in the north-west of England and north and west Scotland. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Elateridae
- Genus
- Actenicerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Marshy areas and other damp places.
Seasonal Activity
Adults emerge in May and can be found on the leaves and flowers of various herbaceous plants and trees, particularly Willow species and on Sedges.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae develop underground in soil and feed on the roots of a variety of plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Most common in west Wales, becoming scarcer into the Midlands, Norfolk/Suffolk, the south-east and south coast. Isolated populations occur in the north-west of England and north and west Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Actenicerus sjaelandicus. 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 Marsh Click Beetle (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Marsh Click Beetle
What is Marsh Click Beetle?
Marsh Click Beetle (Actenicerus sjaelandicus) is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Marsh Click Beetle?
10 to 16mm. A large species, varying in shade from rather grey-brown to chestnut-brown. A fairly dense covering of lighter grey coloured hairs gives the pronotum and elytra a patterned appearance and strong ridges running down the length of the elytra are visible. The legs and antennae are unicolourous with the rest of the insect. The antennae are around the length of the head and pronotum or slightly longer.
Where is Marsh Click Beetle found?
Habitat: Marshy areas and other damp places.
When is Marsh Click Beetle active?
Marsh Click Beetle: seasonal activity - Adults emerge in May and can be found on the leaves and flowers of various herbaceous plants and trees, particularly Willow species and on Sedges..
What is the life cycle of a Marsh Click Beetle?
Larvae develop underground in soil and feed on the roots of a variety of plants.