ELATER, in zoology; a genus of insects, belonging to the order of coleoptera. The antennae are fetaaceous; and an elastic spring or spine projects from the hind-extremity of the breast or under side of the thorax. By means of this kind of spring, the animal, when turned upon his back, contrives to leap up into the air, and so turn itself. It varies in size; and when the insect is young and newly metamorphosed, its elytra are of a beautiful deep red; but in a few days they change to a much darker hue, and are nearly of a chestnut colour. In the state of larvae it inhabits the trunks of decayed trees, and is there transformed. With the help of its wings it issues from its prison, flutters upon flowers, wanders over the fields, and conceals itself in thickets or under the bark of trees.