The violet click beetle (Limoniscus violaceus) is a 12 millimetre long black beetle with a faint blue reflection. It gets its name from the family habit of springing upwards with an audible click if it falls on its back. There are some 160 species living in Europe and their ability to 'click' themselves back on their feet is due to some interesting insect mechanics. Underneath members of the click beetle family is a groove and a peg. If the beetle finds itself inverted it puts a powerful muscle under tension. The peg is slammed into the pit and the contraction throws the beetle into the air, producing the audible click. The larvae, in common with other family members are known as 'wireworms' because of their proportions, and their colour, which is like rusty wire. |
