What is the beetle with ticks called? - briefly
The insect commonly known as a beetle that carries ticks is called the tick beetle (family Anthicidae). It is a small, elongated beetle typically found in leaf litter and other moist habitats.
What is the beetle with ticks called? - in detail
The insect commonly known as a tick beetle belongs to the family Elateridae, the click‑beetles. Its scientific name is Elater ferrugineus, although several related species also carry the vernacular “tick beetle.”
Morphologically, the beetle measures 12–20 mm in length, with an elongated, somewhat flattened body covered by fine, hair‑like setae that give a mottled, tick‑like appearance. The pronotum is narrowed anteriorly, and the elytra are brown‑reddish with a subtle metallic sheen. A distinctive feature of all click‑beetles is the prosternal spine that can be snapped against a corresponding groove, producing an audible “click” and propelling the insect into the air when threatened.
Ecologically, the species inhabits deciduous woodlands, hedgerows, and grasslands across Europe and parts of western Asia. Adults are nocturnal predators, feeding on small arthropods such as aphids and larvae of other beetles. Larvae, called wireworms, develop in the soil and feed on plant roots, occasionally causing damage to agricultural crops like cereals and potatoes.
Key aspects of its life cycle include:
- Egg stage: Females lay clusters of eggs in moist soil during spring.
- Larval stage: Wireworms remain underground for 2–4 years, undergoing several molts.
- Pupal stage: Pupation occurs in the soil; the adult emerges after a few weeks.
- Adult stage: Emergence typically occurs from late summer to early autumn, with a lifespan of several weeks to a few months.
From a taxonomic perspective, Elater ferrugineus is classified as:
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Elateroidea
- Family: Elateridae
- Genus: Elater
- Species: ferrugineus
The beetle’s “click” mechanism has inspired the common name, while the setae‑covered body gives it a visual similarity to ticks, leading to the alternative vernacular. Its presence indicates healthy, undisturbed habitats, and monitoring populations can assist in assessing ecosystem integrity.