The Big-Eyed click beetle, formally known as Alaus oculatus, is one of the larger and more conspicuous members of the click beetle family (Elateridae). Their nickname is representative of the large black and white-rimmed eye spots located on the pronotum, giving the appearance of a much more formidable opponent to its potential predators. This species ranges across the eastern United States, from Texas and Florida up through parts of Canada. The adult beetle is approximately 2-4 inches in length, and predominantly black with some white specks in addition to the eye spots. A very similar looking beetle is the Small-Eyed click beetle, Alaus myops. A. myops has smaller eye spots and darker mottling across the wings than A. oculatus, and occurs across the southeast US.
|
A. oculatus, the Big-Eyed click beetle (left); A. myops, the Small-Eyed click beetle (right) |