Vesperelater is a genus of click beetle (family Elateridae). They are one of several genera in the tribe Pyrophorini, all of which are bioluminescent. This genus was established by in 1975, with 4 species split from Pyrophorus.
Small, slender. Reddish-brown. short, dense and yellowish. Eyes slightly prominent. Front narrow, not prominent. Antennae reaching the hind angles of the prothorax; second and third segments subequal, the two together of the same length as the fourth. Prothorax little convex. Luminous spots lateral, slightly convex and also visible beneath in the . Luminous abdominal organ small and . Elytra tapering and rounded to apices. Male genitalia: median lobe abruptly narrowed near the apex; lateral lobes with one or more pairs of long spines. Female genitalia: spiraled and with long spines; median oviduct with two pair of plates.
Deilelater, another genus of the tribe Pyrophorini occurring in Southeastern United States, Mexico, etc., is distinguished from Vesperelater in male genitalia with well-developed median lobe with numerous cuticular, minute scales.
Species of this genus occurs in the United States (Arizona) and Central America, from Mexico to Costa Rica.
4 species were transferred from Pyrophorus by and 5 new species were described by (with type localities given).