# Resplendent Click Beetle (*Nitidolimonius resplendens*) The Resplendent Click Beetle is a shiny, colorful insect that can jump high when it flips over! It loves to hide under leaves and logs, making it a fun surprise to find in nature. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests ![Resplendent Click Beetle](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Nitidolimonius_resplendens.jpg&width=800) Photo: Norveig, CC0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nitidolimonius_resplendens.jpg) ## Appearance The Resplendent Click Beetle has an elongated, somewhat flattened body, usually displaying a brilliant metallic green or blue sheen. It features distinct antennae and a segmented thorax, visually setting it apart with its striking, iridescent colors. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Elateridae - **Genus:** Nitidolimonius ## Interesting facts - Before becoming an adult beetle, they spend several years living underground as tough, worm-like larvae. - The amazing click mechanism lets them launch themselves many times their own body height into the air! - These beetles are often attracted to outdoor lights at night, making them easier for you to spot! - When a Resplendent Click Beetle lands on its back, it can make a loud 'click' sound to flip itself upright! ## Special abilities - **Springboard Escape:** Resplendent Click Beetle can powerfully flip itself into the air because of a unique spine and groove, helping them escape predators. - **Metallic Camouflage:** Resplendent Click Beetle has a shimmering metallic exoskeleton that helps them blend into environments like shiny leaves or bark. - **Vibration Detectors:** Resplendent Click Beetle has sensitive antennae that help them detect subtle vibrations and find mates or food sources. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 20-30 mm - **Size:** 10-15 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-90 days - **Flight Speed:** 5 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adults sip nectar and pollen from plants; larvae chew on roots, decaying wood, or other small things! - **Age differences:** Larvae (wireworms) are omnivorous, feeding on roots, seeds, and decaying wood, while adults primarily consume nectar and pollen. - **Primary Foods:** nectar, pollen, plant sap - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — Adult beetles can become a meal for hungry jays. - **Eaten by:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Nocturnal bats may catch adult click beetles during flight. - **Eats:** [Canada Goldenrod](https://www.snappit.app/explore/canada-goldenrod) (*Solidago canadensis*) — Adult beetles feed on nectar and pollen from this flowering plant. - **Depends on:** [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) — Larvae develop in soil or decaying wood around roots of oak trees. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Be gentle when looking for beetles and don't touch them too much. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Resplendent Click Beetle? Look for hard wing covers meeting in a line down the back, then compare the antennae, body shape, legs and markings. Metallic colors shift a lot with lighting. Beetle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Resplendent Click Beetle's wingspan? 20-30 mm ### How big is Resplendent Click Beetle? 10-15 mm ### How long does Resplendent Click Beetle live? 30-90 days ### How fast can Resplendent Click Beetle fly? 5 km/h ### What does Resplendent Click Beetle eat? Adults sip nectar and pollen from plants; larvae chew on roots, decaying wood, or other small things! ### Where is Resplendent Click Beetle usually found? Forests ### How does Resplendent Click Beetle hunt? Foraging ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Resplendent Click Beetle: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/resplendent-click-beetle)