PHOTINUS FIREFLY

PHOTINUS FIREFLY

Photinus pyralis
FIREFLY FAMILY (Lampyridae)

This firefly has black elytra with some red on the head. It is about ½ inch long. It was identified with the help of experts at Bugguide.net.

 

This genus and members of the photuris genus are the most abundant of the fireflies in this area. Therefore we would expect this firefly to be common at the Fontenelle Forest. This one was photographed at the nature center itself.

 

Members of this genus have elytra where the lateral margin is complete and distinct while in members of the closely related Photuris genus the lateral margin is incomplete at the base. Photuris fireflies are usually larger than those from the Photinus genus. Light organs are always larger in the male of this firefly. A yellow-green light is produced by members of this genus. Females of the photuris genus sometimes mimic the flashes of female Photinus fireflies. A male Photinus that falls for this trick will be eaten.

 

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