| One of 65 UK
species belonging to the Elateridae
group (Click Beetles) is Dalopius marginatus.
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. D. marginatus is a
small Click Beetle, at around 9mm length and although
quite inconspicuous, is a common species. Like most
species, it particularly favours low vegetation. |