Spectral sensitivity of click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae) and their responses to light stimuli in laboratory and field experiments.

This article investigates the spectral sensitivity and behavioral responses of nine species of click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae) to light stimuli, aiming to explore light-based trapping as an alternative monitoring tool amid declining insecticide options. Electroretinogram recordings revealed that most species exhibit peak spectral sensitivity in the green range (515–538 nm) and a secondary peak in the ultraviolet (UV) range (~360 nm), except Agriotes ferrugineipennis, which showed primary UV sensitivity. Laboratory and field experiments demonstrated that green and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) effectively attract both male and female beetles of several genera, including Agriotes, Selatosomus, and Limonius, whereas UV light alone was not attractive nor did it enhance green light attractiveness. Light intensity within the tested range did not significantly affect trap captures. The findings suggest that LED-based light traps, particularly using green and blue wavelengths, may serve as viable tools for monitoring elaterid populations, including species lacking pheromone-based lures, thereby supporting integrated pest management strategies.