Summer-time is click beetle time! Any child, cat, or dog could tell you that. My cat Buster could be entertained by a click beetle all day. Boing! Another click beetle springs into the air.
I am often asked if it’s possible for a human to learn how to spring high into the air from a prone position, like a click beetle. To get an answer to this question, send a check for $50 and a self-addressed stamped envelope… (that’ll be enough of that!).
You have to watch this video closely, because it’s a very small click beetle–but there’s a lot of jump in him. When I discovered these beetles, as a boy, I was as fascinated as any cat. You’ll see Annie the Cat has all she can do to keep up with the clicks.
I always catch and release click beetles when they come indoors here, so I’m afraid my cats are out of luck, click beetle-wise.
Hi, Mr. Nature here, with more of God’s stuff.
Cats and kids love these–click beetles: the “elater,” to crossword puzzle fans. When the beetle winds up on its back, which seems to happen often, it “clicks” straight up into the air in hopes of landing on its feet. They’ll keep trying till they get it right.
Their larvae are a pest, but the adult beetles are harmless and entertaining, if you like insect acrobatics.
Just another little detail of Creation…