Alaus oculatus
| Alaus oculatus | |
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| Species: | A. oculatus
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| Alaus oculatus | |
Alaus oculatus, the eastern eyed click beetle, is a species of click beetle belonging to the family Elateridae.
Description
Alaus oculatus can reach a length of about 25–45 millimetres (1.0–1.8 in).[1] Body is long and thin. Elytrae are black and have a mottled pattern marked with patches of silvery whitish scales.[1][2] These large beetles show on the pronotum characteristic huge oval black eyespots with a white ring around each.[3] The "false eyes" presumably afford a protection from predators by frightening them.[4]
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid in soil. Larvae are predators of beetle larvae feeding in decaying wood, especially cerambycids.[1] Adults can be found from April to September (one specimen found in Blueridge Parkway, mile 272, on 11 Sep. 2016)[3] X
Diet
Their diet consists of nectar and plant juice. The larva's diet consists of grubs and wood-boring beetles.[3]
Distribution and habitat
This species is present in Central and North America.[1][3] It can be found in deciduous/mixed forests and woodlands.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d Featured creatures
- ^ Forestry Images
- ^ a b c d e Bugguide
- ^ Animal Diversity Web
External links
Media related to Alaus oculatus at Wikimedia Commons
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