CLOSED: Strange guy, what is he?

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sjweld Reedsburg, WI(Zone 4b) Jun 22, 2009

My husband found this guy last weekend. We are in south central WI. I had just gotten a load of shreadded mulch so I'm not sure if he maybe came in on that? I have never seen anything like this before.

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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Jun 22, 2009

This is a click beetle (Coleoptera: Elateridae) known as the eyed elater (Alaus oculatus) - see http://tinyurl.com/m3ht3a for an image and much more information. This species has been reported from Wisconsin.

Post #6721822
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livefreeordie Yeagertown, PA Jun 22, 2009

This is a very widespread specie of Elateridae, the larva and adults can be found in rotted trees. I have found some larva that are bigger around than your pinky and even longer in length. If you turn them upside down on their backs, they use an ingenious hinge between the head and thorax to click and flip themselves up in the air to land right side up.

Post #6722031
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sjweld Reedsburg, WI(Zone 4b) Jun 22, 2009

Cool! Thanks guys, I knew someone would know!!! :)

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