| Elater ferrugineus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Suborder: | Polyphaga |
| Infraorder: | Elateriformia |
| Family: | Elateridae |
| Genus: | Elater |
| Species: | E. ferrugineus |
| Binomial name | |
| Elater ferrugineus Linnaeus, 1758 | |
| Synonyms | |
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Elater ferrugineus, the rusty click beetle, is a species of click beetle belonging to the family Elateridae.
Varietas include: [1]
This species is widespread in the Western Palearctic realm. [2] [3]
Elater ferrugineus can reach a length of 17–24 millimetres (0.67–0.94 in). [2] [4] This species is rather variable. Head is dark brown. Pronotum and elytra of males are usually bright orange or reddish, while females show a uniform dark brown color and are smaller than males. The legs are black. The antennae are mid-brown to black. In males they extend up to the posterior edge of the pronotum, while in females they are shorter. [4]
Larvae develop in hole of ancient trees of various species, mainly oak ( Quercus robur ), [5] ash ( Fraxinus excelsior ), beech ( Fagus sylvatica ) and elm ( Ulmus spp.). The life cycle lasts 4–6 years. [6] Pupation occurs in spring. [4] These larvae are predatory. They especially prey on hermit beetle ( Osmoderma eremita ) and rose chafer ( Cetonia aurata ). [1]
When male E. ferrugineus are attracted to a female, they release compounds that attract other males to the site. These compounds include geranyl, nerylacetone and 6-methyl-5-heptene-2-one. Attraction of males only occurs in the presence of females, ensuring increased mating opportunities. [7]
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