click beetle

noun
1.
any of numerous beetles of the family Elateridae, having the ability to spring up with a clicking sound when placed on their backs.
Also called skipjack, snapping beetle.
Origin
1860-65
British Dictionary definitions for click beetle

click beetle

noun
1.
any beetle of the family Elateridae, which have the ability to right themselves with a snapping movement when placed on their backs Also called snapping beetle, skipjack See also wireworm
Encyclopedia Article for click beetle

any of approximately 7,000 species of beetles (insect order Coleoptera) named for the clicking noise made when seized by a predator. Most click beetles range between 2.5 and 18 mm (less than 34 inch) in length and are brown or black in colour with either little or no ornamentation. However, some tropical species are brightly coloured or luminescent. Click beetles have elongated bodies with parallel sides and bluntly rounded ends

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