| Scientific name | Alaus oculatus |
|---|---|
| Group | Beetles |
| Size | 25–45 mm (up to about 1.8 in) |
| Colors | Black, White and Gray |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Woods or trails and Trees or shrubs |
| Most active | Spring and Summer |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Harmless |
How to identify it
The eyed click beetle is a large member of the beetles group. Hard wing covers that meet in a straight line down the back. Check for these three features:
- Two large black false eyespots ringed in white
- Elongated, flattened body with white speckles
- Clicks and flips itself when placed on its back
About this bug
A long, gray-and-black beetle with two large, eye-like spots on its thorax. When flipped over, it snaps a hinge on its body and launches itself into the air with an audible click.
You'll usually find eyed click beetles in woods and along trails and on trees and shrubs. They are most active in spring and summer.
Is it dangerous?
Eyed click beetles are harmless; the eyespots are a bluff to scare predators.
Our rating: Harmless, meaning it poses no real threat to people, pets or property.
When you'll see eyed click beetles
Eyed Click Beetles are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: woods or trails and trees or shrubs.
About beetles
The eyed click beetle is one of the beetles. Beetles go through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (grub), pupa and adult. The larval stage often does the most feeding and damage, and it can last from a few weeks to several years depending on the species. Adults protect their flight wings under hard wing covers called elytra, which is why most beetles look armored and meet in a neat line down the back.
Look closely at larvae as well as adults. Grubs in soil, fuzzy larvae in closets and small worms in flour are all beetle larvae, and finding them tells you where the problem is centered.
Should you get rid of it?
No control is needed. Eyed Click Beetles are not pests, and many help by eating other insects or pollinating plants. If one is indoors, move it outside with a cup and a sheet of paper.
Bugs that look similar
Size: Eyed Click Beetles are larger, reaching 45 mm, while ground beetles top out around 30 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does an eyed click beetle look like?
Two large black false eyespots ringed in white. Adults measure 25–45 mm (up to about 1.8 in).
Does the eyed click beetle bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Eyed click beetles are harmless; the eyespots are a bluff to scare predators.
Where do eyed click beetles live?
Eyed Click Beetles live in woods and along trails and on trees and shrubs.
When are eyed click beetles most active?
Mostly in spring and summer.