Campsosternus auratus (Daqing click beetle)

Family Elateridae

As the largest diurnal click beetle in Taiwan, the campsosternus auratus (Daqing click beetle) is widely distributed in low to intermediate mountain areas. The adult click beetle often shows up from April to October. Its body is mainly dark green, with strong luster, which gives off different shades of color sense from different angles. Especially pictures taken with flash show various light spots ranging from brown, purple, to blue. If harassed, it will pretend to be dead and drop to the ground. If captured forcefully, it will release “click, click” sounds. It drops to the ground in a vertical position, hopping and turning around and then flying away, which is rather fun to view.

　　Photographed by Huang Shu-jen