The black and white Southwestern Eyed Click Beetle is at home in the arid southwestern part of the continent.
This species of click beetle has two large black 'eyespots' on its pronotum. Each eyespot is surrounded by a thin, white ring. A simlar-looking relative, the Eastern Eyed Click Beetle , has a bit more white speckling on the elytra (wing coverings). Both species are loyal to their own ranges and are not found in the other's region.
The larvae of the Southwestern Eyed Click Beetle are called wireworms because of their narrow, tubular bodies. They eat plants and other living things found in the soil. They are known to damage crops, making their presence a nuisance to farmers and gardeners. Adult beetles do not eat very much and are often found on freshly trimmed trees.
Click beetles get their name from the sound they make when they flip themselves upright. The loud click is made when they snap a 'spine' found under their thorax. This motion helps turn them right-side-up if they find themselves in the undesirable and vulnerable position of being on their backs.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Coleoptera
Family:Elateridae
Genus:Alaus
Species:zunianus
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Alaus zunianus
Other Name(s): Eyed Elater Beetle
Category:
Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 25mm to 51mm (0.98in to 1.99in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Beetle Anatomy
1
Antennae: Beetles have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and mandibles (jaws).
3
Thorax: Holds the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Elytron: One of two wing cases on a Beetle that protects its wings (plural: elytra).
5
Wings: Appendages used for flying and kept under the elytra until needed.
6
Abdomen: Houses organs related to circulation, reproduction, and excretion.
7
Legs: Beetles have three pairs of legs located at the thorax, numbering six legs in all.
Colors: black, white, cream, gray
