1. Plural of elaterid; beetles of the family Elateridae, commonly known as click beetles, characterized by a spring-like mechanism that allows them to flip themselves over when lying on their backs.
Usage: zoology; entomology; plural form

Examples

• The garden was home to several species of elaterids that could be heard clicking as they moved through the soil.
• Elaterids are important indicators of forest health and biodiversity.
• The larvae of elaterids, called wireworms, can damage crop roots.
• Entomologists collected elaterids from the leaf litter to study their ecological role.
• When turned upside down, elaterids use their distinctive clicking mechanism to right themselves.