Genus Melanotus sitting on a leaf

Genus Melanotus

Melanotus is a genus of click beetles in the family Elateridae. There are at least 30 described species in Melanotus. They are famous for the noise they make when they need to make a hasty escape from a predator. A stiff spine on the anterior (belly) side of the beetle snaps with great force, propelling the beetle away from danger. Larvae of this genus of Click Beetles are called wireworms. They are considered a pest as they move from plant to plant underground and may do so for years before pupating into adults.

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Phymata fasciata bug sitting on a flower.

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