EYED CLICK BEETLE

EYED CLICK BEETLE

Nicrophorus orbicollis
CARRION BEETLES (Sillphadae)

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Click beetles are flattened, elongate, beetles that are curved at the ends. They are black or brown in color. This beetle is marked with prominent oval eye spots on the pronotum and mottled gray wing covers. The Eyed Click Beetle has huge false eyespots that probably deter potential predators. This beetle ranges in size from 1 to 1.5 inches long and is the largest click beetle. The antenna are close to the eyes and are saw toothed or comb like.

 

This beetle is commonly found on carrion but also on decaying vegetation and living plants. This one was photographed coming to lights while mothing at Fontenelle Forest. Its overall occurrence in Fontenelle Forest is not known.

 

It overwinters as adults and comes to lights.

 

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