About Arctic Click Beetle
A small, brown click beetle with a distinctive snapping mechanism that allows it to flip itself upright when overturned. Larvae are wireworms that live in tundra soil. Adults are found under stones and in low vegetation.
Did You Know?
When flipped on its back, this beetle arches its body and snaps a spine on its thorax into a groove, launching itself into the air with an audible click.
How to Identify Arctic Click Beetle
Arctic Click Beetle (Hypnoidus riparius) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Elateridae. Adults typically measure 4-7 mm.
Arctic Click Beetle Habitat
Arctic Click Beetle is found in tundra & arctic habitats, particularly across Scandinavia, Iceland, Scotland, northern Russia, Arctic Canada. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Arctic Click Beetle Diet and Feeding
Arctic Click Beetle is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Arctic Click Beetle Found?
Arctic Click Beetle can be found in Scandinavia, Iceland, Scotland, northern Russia, Arctic Canada, where it inhabits tundra & arctic environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Arctic Click Beetle can be found
Is Arctic Click Beetle Dangerous?
Arctic Click Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Arctic Click Beetle Role in Nature
Arctic Click Beetle is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Arctic Click Beetle
What does Arctic Click Beetle look like?
The Arctic Click Beetle typically measures 4-7 mm.
Where is Arctic Click Beetle found?
The Arctic Click Beetle is found in Scandinavia, Iceland, Scotland, northern Russia, Arctic Canada and typically inhabits tundra & arctic environments.
What does Arctic Click Beetle eat?
The Arctic Click Beetle feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Arctic Click Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Arctic Click Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Arctic Click Beetle?
When flipped on its back, this beetle arches its body and snaps a spine on its thorax into a groove, launching itself into the air with an audible click.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Arctic Click Beetle (Hypnoidus riparius). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/arctic-click-beetle
MLA:
"Arctic Click Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/arctic-click-beetle.