Back To
Classification Coleoptera Family: Elateridae
Home > Coleoptera >> ElateridaeSize: 6-8mm.
Phenology
Description Uniformly black in colour and metallic in appearence. A fine covering of hairs is visible. The antennae are relatively thin and thread like for an Elaterid, but still distinctly segmented and extend beyond the pronotum.
Life Cycle The larvae feed on the roots of various grass species in woodlands. Imago insects emerge in May and June and can be found by beating branches of a umber of tree species including Oak (Quercus spp.), Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Elder (Sambucus nigra), Cherry (Prunus avium), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris). In France, Leseigneur (1972) observed males flying up and down in a rapid vertical movement around the branches of Scots Pine trees where female insects were resting, prior to mating.
