Agriotes pallidulus (Illiger, 1807)
One of 65 UK species belonging to the Elateridae (Click Beetles) is Agriotes pallidulus. The common name is extremely apt, as the beetle has the ability to flick itself upright should it fall onto it's back. It is able to do this by flexing a well developed joint between the first and second thoracic stermites. This also seems to be used as a defence mechanism if the beetle feels threatened. Agriotes pallidulus is one of the smallest members of the group at around 5.5mm (max) length and although quite inconspicuous, is a common species. Like most click beetles it particularly favours low vegetation.
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Nottinghamshire (VC56) distribution of Agriotes pallidulus
 
 
 
 
The records for the Nottinghamshire distribution map are currently provided by the following contributors - Trevor and Dilys Pendleton. M L Denton (2002 Sherwood Forest Coleoptera survey). Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. K N A Alexander (Invertebrate assemblage condition at Birklands and Bilhaugh SSSI and Birklands West and Ollerton Corner SSSI survey reports 2009-10). Natural England - Invertebrate Site Register 2006. Pauline Bradford. Richard Davidson. Charlie Barnes. NBGRC. Paul and Helen Brock. John and Denise Bingham. Natural England - Birklands and Bilhaugh SSSI & Birklands West and Ollerton Corner SSSI, Nottinghamshire Saproxylic invertebrate survey, Natural England Field Unit, April-October 2018.

You can contribute your own records to help us gain an accurate status of this species in Nottinghamshire. Send an Excel spreadsheet of your records via the 'contact us' link at the top of the homepage.

Updated January 2024

copyright © Trevor and Dilys Pendleton (www.eakringbirds.com) . .
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