Elater

/ɪˈleɪtər/ noun

Definition

A click beetle, or a springlike appendage in ferns and other plants that helps disperse spores.

Etymology

From Latin elater meaning 'driver' or 'one who drives out.' The term describes how the beetle uses its spring-like structure to propel itself, or how plants disperse.

Kelly Says

Click beetles have an incredible spring mechanism under their belly—when trapped, they flip it and launch themselves into the air with an audible click—pure evolution genius!

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