A reader just sent us the picture featured above and asked us to identify the specimen in it. As you can see from the photo, the creature has 13 tan segments, a distinct head and tail end, 3 legs on a thoracic segment, and antennae coming from its head. We are quite eager to solve this mystery!
Since the reader didn’t include information about where she found the worm or its movement pattern, we will have to go exclusively off of photo evidence. After close examination of the picture, we believe that this creature is likely a wireworm, or click beetle larva.
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We recognize it by the antennae and legs, as well as its general appearance. These larvae are either saprophagous, which means they eat dead organisms, or they enjoy potatoes, carrots, onions, beets, and other vegetable crops as a food source. Eventually, they will mature into click beetles!
To conclude, a reader asked us about a creature she found and we identified it as a wireworm, or click beetle larva.
All About Worms is always free, always reader-supported, we don't subject you to ads or annoying video pop-ups. But it does cost us money out of our pocket to keep the site going (nearly 20 years so far!) So your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP Publishing.