Chestnut Click Beetle

Chestnut Click Beetle (Anostirus castaneus) © Roger Key

Buglife worked with RHS Harlow Carr (near Harrogate), to survey for the Chestnut Click Beetle (Anostirus castaneus), and provide management advice. 75 years ago, the beetle was found on a number of sites between Durham and South Wales, now it is restricted to just two sites in England. Work was also carried out by Harrogate Borough Council to improve habitat for the beetle at Birk Crag.

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Quick Facts

  • Name of Project: Chestnut Click Beetle
  • Location of Project: Harrogate
  • Invertebrate Species benefiting from Project: Chestnut Click Beetle (Anostirus castaneus)

This distinctive beetle has feathery antennae – rather like stag’s antlers – and is an orangey brown/chestnut colour and about 8-10mm long. The area behind its head is covered in golden hairs and it has a black tip at the end of its body.

Click beetles get their name because when threatened or turned over, they jump into the air with a loud click.

How can you stay involved?

  • If you live near the Harrogate site, please lend us and North Yorkshire Council a hand to look for these beetles   You are most likely to see them on a sunny day; check on top of rocks and plants, where the soil is sandy and it is sheltered from the wind.
  • If you think you have found one, please take a photo and submit your record to iRecord.

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