Elater

Elater, a genus of beetles in the Pentamerous sub-order, type of the family Elateridae. They are familiarly known as 'click-beetles' or 'skip-jacks,' from their habit of jerking themselves with a slight noise into the air when they land or are placed on their backs. The body is arched upwards and suddenly straightened with a violent muscular exertion, which lifts the animal from the ground. The legs are too short for the ordinary method of righting the body. The larvæ are only too familiar as 'Wireworms' (q.v.). Some tropical forms are phosphorescent. See FIREFLIES.