Click beetle jumping mechanism : Elateridae
How does a clicker click? The group of beetles known as the Elateridae are well known for their unique ability to flip themselves into the air with a click sound.
The beetle pushes its prosternal process (the long nose-like structure) onto the leading edge of the mesosternal cavity by articulating its prothorax forward. Once in place, the beetle forces the prosternal process against the inner dorsal surface of the mesosternal cavity until such time that the applied force overcomes the opposing resistance resulting in a rapid release of the prosternal process into the depth of the mesosternal cavity. The prothorax snaps forward resulting in the flip. The study referenced below showed an acceleration of 3800 m/s/s after release of the prosternal process in one species.
The image shows a Pseudotetralobus sp, probably fortnubi, but I wont know with any more certainty until I check the lectotype in the SAM.
Evans, M. E. G. (1973). The jump of the click beetle (Coleoptera: Elateridae)—a preliminary study. Journal of Zoology, Vol.167(3), pp.319-336
