Wireworm Click Beetle
Agriotes obscurus
This record describes Agriotes obscurus (species). Recorded family: Elateridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
7 to 10 mm. This is a mid to dark brown coloured click beetle, with yellowish hairs on the elytra. The pronotum is rounded and distinctly contracted at the front. Agriotes lineatus is similar, but the stripes along the elytra have a dark and light appearance. Agriotes sputator is also similar, but here the pronotum is nearly parallel-sided. Adults move at night, feeding on the leaves of grasses. They lay eggs into the surface soil in April, May and early June. Young larvae hatch in June or July. These larvae, called Wireworms, are long lived (up to four years in this stage of development) and feed on the roots of grasses and other plants. Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain
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
Favouring meadows and grassy places.
Seasonal Activity
Adults March to June
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults move at night, feeding on the leaves of grasses. They lay eggs into the surface soil in April, May and early June. Young larvae hatch in June or July. These larvae, called Wireworms, are long lived (up to four years in this stage of development) and feed on the roots of grasses and other plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agriotes obscurus. 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 Wireworm Click Beetle (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wireworm Click Beetle
What is Wireworm Click Beetle?
Wireworm Click Beetle (Agriotes obscurus) is a species in the family Elateridae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Wireworm Click Beetle found?
Habitat: Favouring meadows and grassy places.
When is Wireworm Click Beetle active?
Wireworm Click Beetle: seasonal activity - Adults March to June.
What is the life cycle of a Wireworm Click Beetle?
Adults move at night, feeding on the leaves of grasses. They lay eggs into the surface soil in April, May and early June. Young larvae hatch in June or July. These larvae, called Wireworms, are long lived (up to four years in this stage of development) and feed on the roots of grasses and other plants.