I saw two of these flying around my yard today - first time I'd seen one of them (ironically, three minutes later I saw a hummingbird in my yard for the first time in 20+ years)! The other one was larger, but once I had a camera this is the only one I could locate. Any help would be appreciated because I think there may be a nest of them nearby.
That is an Eyed Click Beetle...the largest click beetle.
The larvae eat the larvae of other insects and live in logs.
This message was edited Jul 9, 2008 7:56 PM
A.K.A. Alaus oculatus. If you lay it on its back, after a few seconds it will "click" and flip into the air.
This message was edited Jul 9, 2008 8:55 PM
For more information on this species and its close relative, Alaus myops (the blind elater or small-eyed click beetle), see http://www.stephencresswell.com/s/elaters.html
