Click beetles (family Elateridae) are a large and diverse family of beetles found throughout Arizona. Adults are elongated, flattened beetles ranging from 1/4 to 1.5 inches in length, typically brown, gray, or black, sometimes with attractive patterns or spots. They are best known for their remarkable escape mechanism: when placed on their backs, they arch their body and release a spine-and-notch mechanism that propels them into the air with a loud 'click,' often landing right-side up. This behavior is startling to predators and humans alike. Adults are commonly found under bark, in decaying wood, on flowers, and at lights. Most adult click beetles feed on nectar, pollen, or plant tissue and cause negligible damage. The pest concern with click beetles is entirely due to their larvae — wireworms — which are described separately. In Arizona, click beetles are found in a wide range of habitats from desert lowlands to mountain forests. The eyed elater (Alaus oculatus), with its large false eyespots, is one of the most striking species. While adult click beetles are not pest insects, their presence in agricultural areas or gardens indicates that wireworm populations may be present in the soil.
👁Warning Signs
Elongated brown or black beetles that click and jump when disturbed. Found under bark, in wood, or at lights. Presence in gardens or agricultural areas may indicate wireworm larvae in soil. Adults harmless — pest concern is larval wireworms.
⚠Health & Property Risks
Adults are harmless. Pest risk is from wireworm larvae (see Wireworm / Click Beetle entry). Presence of adults in agricultural settings warrants soil monitoring for wireworms.
Prevention Tips
No prevention needed for adults. Monitor soil for wireworm larvae if click beetles are abundant in agricultural areas.
🛡Professional Treatment
No treatment needed for adults. Address wireworm larvae in soil if crop damage is occurring — see Wireworm / Click Beetle entry for treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions — Click Beetle
The Click Beetle (Elateridae family) is brown, gray, or black; often with subtle patterns; some species with large false eyespots and typically measures 1/4–1.5 inches. Click beetles (family Elateridae) are a large and diverse family of beetles found throughout Arizona. Adults are elongated, flattened beetles ranging from 1/4 to 1.5 inches in length, typically brown,.
The Click Beetle is generally low-risk, but caution is still advised. Adults are harmless. Pest risk is from wireworm larvae (see Wireworm / Click Beetle entry). Presence of adults in agricultural settings warrants soil monitoring for wireworms.
In Arizona, click beetles are most often encountered in the following situations: Elongated brown or black beetles that click and jump when disturbed. Found under bark, in wood, or at lights. Presence in gardens or agricultural areas may indicate wireworm larvae in soil. Adults harmless — pest concern is larval wireworms.
The Click Beetle is most active during: Adults active spring through fall; most common May–August. Arizona's warm desert climate can extend activity periods compared to other states, so year-round vigilance is recommended in the Phoenix metro and surrounding areas.
No prevention needed for adults. Monitor soil for wireworm larvae if click beetles are abundant in agricultural areas.
No treatment needed for adults. Address wireworm larvae in soil if crop damage is occurring — see Wireworm / Click Beetle entry for treatment options.
Left unchecked, Click Beetle infestations can cause significant structural or food-storage damage over time. Adults are harmless. Pest risk is from wireworm larvae (see Wireworm / Click Beetle entry). Presence of adults in agricultural settings warrants soil monitoring for wireworms. Early detection and professional treatment are the most cost-effective approach — contact Pest Control Bros for an inspection at the first sign of activity.
Dealing with Click Beetle?
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