Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Family
ELATERIDAE
(click beetles)
DESCRIPTION
Adult:
10-13 mm long; head and thorax black, the
abdomen reddish brown; antennae black; legs brownish
black.
Larva:
up to 30 mm long; shiny and yellowish
brown, with a darker head; relatively broad and sub-
cylindrical, with top of body bifid.
A small group of elongate beetles which, when lying on
their backs, are capable of propelling themselves into
the air, with an audible click. The soil-inhabiting larvae
(commonly known as 'wireworms') are long, thin, more
or less cylindrical and tough-skinned, with small
thoracic legs and powerful jaws.
LIFE HISTORY
Adults occur from mid-May to July, and away from
upland areas are more commonly encountered than
those of many other elaterids. They often fly during the
daytime. Eggs are deposited in groups in moist soil,
usually beneath the shelter of vegetation. They hatch in
about a month. Larvae then attack the underground
parts of plants and also feed on other vegetative matter
in the soil. Development is slow, usually extending over
four or five years. When fully grown, usually in mid- to
late summer, larvae pupate in earthen cells. Adults are
produced about a month later but normally remain in
their cells until the following spring.
Agriotes lineatus
(Linnaeus)
Common click beetle
This generally common, often important agricultural
pest, also causes damage to horticultural crops,
including various ornamentals. The larvae are usually
most abundant in grassland areas, and often attack crops
growing in recently broken-up pasture. They are
distinguished from those of
Athous haemorrhoidalis
by
the more cylindrical form and pointed hind end; they
take four or five years to reach maturity.
Athous haemorrhoidalis
(Fabricius) (
249-250
)
Garden click beetle
A generally common pest of herbaceous plants,
including ornamentals such as
Anemone
, carnation
(
Dianthus caryophyllus
),
Chrysanthemum
,
Dahlia
,
Gladiolus
and primrose (
Primula vulgaris
); also liable
to damage seedling trees and nursery stock. Widespread
in Europe.
DAMAGE
Wireworms bite through the roots and bore into the base
of plants, sometimes causing plants to wilt and die.
Bulbs, corms, rhizomes, stolons and tubers are also
attacked. On chrysanthemum and other relatively
fleshy-stemmed plants, wireworms may also tunnel into
the stems well above soil level. Damage is most serious
on young plants, and in spring and autumn.
249
250
249
Garden click beetle (
Athous haemorrhoidalis
).
250
Larva of garden click beetle (
Athous haemorrhoidalis
).
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