Eastern Eyed Elater Click Beetle - Alaus oculatus 15 Cm Square Badge

These are big, totally harmless, beetles that have huge markings that look like eyes - perhaps to discourage predators. As larvae, they are carnivorous and eat plant pests. They do good work. The larvae can live as long as 5 years before pupating and becoming adult. They live in hardwood forests. Put a click beetle on it's back and it will snap it's body, launching it into the air. With luck, and maybe a couple tries, it will land on it's feet.