click beetle

noun

1. any of numerous beetles of the family Elateridae, having the ability to spring up with a clicking sound when placed on their backs.

click beetle

noun

1. any beetle of the family Elateridae, which have the ability to right themselves with a snapping movement when placed on their backs Also calledsnapping beetleskipjack See also wireworm

Word History and Origins

Origin of click beetle¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

In the books it is called a click-beetle, but it is also called a skip-jack because of the somersaults it can turn.

From Project Gutenberg