Dusky Wireworm

Agriotes obscurus, commonly known as dusky wireworm or obscure click beetle, is a species from the family Elateridae that is native and widely distributed in central and northern Europe. It is also present in parts of northern Asia and has been accidentally introduced into western Canada around 1900. It is now established in British Columbia (Canada) and Washington State (U.S.A.), with the risk of spreading to other parts of North America. The larvae (wireworms) are agricultural pests and attack the tubers, seeds and roots of numerous crops like potatoes, beets, cereals, sunflower, vegetables and ornamentals. The larvae also feed on the roots of some grasses and various other plants.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Dusky Wireworm being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Agriotes sputator
• Agriotes lineatus
• Agrypnus variabilis
• Agriotes pilosellus

Classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Insecta

Order

Coleoptera

Family

Elateridae

Genus

Agriotes

Species

Agriotes obscurus

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