Western Eyed Click Beetle

Description:

This large beetle is about 1¼" long, with two black "eyes" outlined in white on the dorsal side of its thorax. Since it is speckled with white or gray, it can blend with much of its background. In the third photo above, you can see the click mechanism just behind the front pair of legs. The tip of the prong catches in the hole, and when it bends forward the prong catches then releases, flipping the beetle end for end into the air. If it lands on its feet, it scuttles away. If it lands on its back, it clicks to try again.

Habitat:

Found in a mixed Madrone/Oak/Ponderosa Pine forest.