Athous facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Athous |
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| Athous subfuscus | |
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Athous
Eschscholtz, 1829
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Athous is a group of beetles that belong to a family called Elateridae. These beetles are often known as "click beetles" because of a special trick they have. When they are on their back, they can snap a part of their body to flip themselves over with a loud "click" sound!
The Athous genus is one of the biggest groups of click beetles. It includes more than one hundred different kinds of species.
What are Athous Beetles?
Athous beetles are part of the huge insect world. They are known for their unique clicking ability. This click helps them escape from danger or get back on their feet.
These beetles were first officially grouped together in this genus in 1829. A scientist named Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz was the one who first organized them.
Meet the Wireworms
The young forms of Athous beetles are called larvae. They have a special name: "wireworms." Wireworms are long, thin, and tough, looking a bit like a piece of wire.
Wireworms live underground. They like to eat the roots of plants. They also munch on seeds that are lying in the soil. Because they eat important parts of plants, farmers sometimes see them as pests. This is because wireworms can damage crops like corn, potatoes, or wheat.
Besides eating plant roots, wireworms can also be found in rotting wood. This shows they can live in different places in nature.
