Click+Beetle

The Click Beetle in Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptians were impressed by the energy and dexterity of the Click (Elaterid) Beetle, which has the ability to propel itself high into the air to escape predators and rising flood waters. A creature that could protect itself so well could obviously extend that protection to others, and protective amulets and small golden boxes in the shape of a click beetle were popular.

Amulets and beads of click beetles, made of gold, onyx, alabaster, carnelian, limestone, agate, and quartz were buried with the dead. During the Old Kingdom, a princess was buried with a necklace consisting of fifty gold click beetles. The click beetle was a symbol of the goddess Neith.

The Insects of Ancient Egypt