Alaus oculatus, commonly called the eastern eyed click beetle or eyed elater, is a species of click beetle.
== Description == Alaus oculatus can reach a length of about 25–45 millimetres (1.0–1.8 in). They have an elongated body, black in color throughout. The pronotum exhibits a large oval patch of darker scales, framed in white, on each side - the common name of the beetle derives from this feature. The elytra are striated and mottled with silvery whitish scales. The depiction of a large pair of eyes on the pronotum is a defensive adaptation that has evolved because of its advantage in confusing or frightening potential predators. These “eyespots” are a form of self-mimicry, in which one part of the body has adapted to mimic another body part. Like all click beetles, A. oculatus is also capable of suddenly catapulting itself out of danger by releasing the energy stored by a click mechanism, which consists of a stout spine on the prosternum and a matching groove in the mesosternum.
== Life cycle == Eggs are laid in soil or on standing deadwood. Many larvae from the click beetle family Elateridae are commonly referred to as wireworms and are prominent agricultural pests that feast on plant matter. However, the larvae of Alaus oculatus are unique among wireworms because they are predatory to other beetle larvae feeding in decaying wood, especially Cerambycidae. The larva pupate in rotting logs or below the ground and the adults emerge in the spring and are commonly found until September.
Translated Descriptions (8)
cs
Alaus oculatus, běžně známý jako kovařík očkatý, je druh kovaříka dorůstající délky 25–45 mm. Tento černý brouk je nápadný dvěma velkými, bíle lemovanými „očními skvrnami“ na štítu, které slouží k odstrašení predátorů. Jako všichni kovaříci se dokáže v případě nebezpečí vymrštit do vzduchu pomocí speciálního mechanismu. Larvy se vyvíjejí v tlejícím dřevě a jsou dravé; živí se larvami jiných brouků, zejména tesaříků.
de
Alaus oculatus, auch als Östlicher Augenschnellkäfer bekannt, ist eine Schnellkäferart, die etwa 25–45 mm lang wird. Der schwarze Käfer zeichnet sich durch zwei große, weiß umrandete Augenflecken auf dem Halsschild aus, die zur Abschreckung von Fressfeinden dienen. Wie alle Schnellkäfer kann er sich bei Gefahr durch einen speziellen Mechanismus in die Luft katapultieren. Die Larven, die sich in verrottendem Holz entwickeln, sind räuberisch und ernähren sich von anderen Käferlarven, insbesondere von Bockkäfern.
es
wikipedia
El escarabajo click de ojos (por su nombre en inglés: "Eyed click beetle") (Alaus oculatus) es una especie de insecto del orden de los coleópteros de la familia de los elatéridos. Se distribuye en Norteamérica.
fr
Alaus oculatus, communément appelé taupin ocellé, est une espèce de coléoptère de la famille des Elateridae mesurant de 25 à 45 mm. Ce coléoptère noir se distingue par deux grands ocelles bordés de blanc sur le pronotum, servant à effrayer les prédateurs. Comme tous les taupins, il peut se projeter dans les airs grâce à un mécanisme de détente. Ses larves, qui se développent dans le bois en décomposition, sont prédatrices et se nourrissent d'autres larves de coléoptères, notamment de Cerambycidae.
it
Alaus oculatus, comunemente chiamato elateride dagli occhi, è una specie di coleottero della famiglia Elateridae che misura dai 25 ai 45 mm. Questo coleottero nero si distingue per due grandi macchie oculari bordate di bianco sul pronoto, che servono a spaventare i predatori. Come tutti gli elateridi, può catapultarsi in aria grazie a un meccanismo a scatto. Le larve, che si sviluppano nel legno in decomposizione, sono predatrici e si nutrono di altre larve di coleotteri, in particolare di Cerambycidae.
nl
wikipedia
Alaus oculatus is een keversoort uit de familie van de kniptorren (Elateridae). De wetenschappelijke naam is gepubliceerd in 1758 door Linnaeus in de tiende editie van Systema naturae.
pt
wikipedia
Alaus oculatus (denominado popularmente, em inglês, Eyed elater, Eastern eyed click beetle, Eyed click beetle, Owl beetle; com a denominação Click beetle dada para os integrantes desta família) é um inseto da ordem Coleoptera e da família Elateridae; um besouro cujo habitat se estende aos territórios da região leste dos Estados Unidos, de Quebec, uma província do Canadá, para a Flórida, e no oeste do Texas e Dakota do Sul, em particular em locais com madeira em decomposição de florestas decíduas temperadas e pinheirais. Foi classificado por Carolus Linnaeus no ano de 1758.
sv
wikipedia
Alaus oculatus är en skalbaggsart som först beskrevs av Linnaeus. Alaus oculatus ingår i släktet Alaus och familjen knäppare. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.
