Pyrophorini

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Elateroidea
Family: Elateridae
Subfamily: Agrypninae
Tribe: Pyrophorini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pyrophorini: //ˌpaɪɹoʊˈfɔɹɪnaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Deilelater atlanticus by iNaturalist user: averagewalrus. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Deilelater physoderus by Andrew Meeds. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Male genitalia of Pyrophorini from Arquiv. Zool. 26(2) 140 by Arquivos de Zoologia. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Deilelater physoderus (Germar, 1841) iNaturalist 93648074 by tcantrell52. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Deilelater physoderus (Germar, 1841) iNaturalist 284334367 by Meghan Cassidy. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Vesperelater arizonicus (Hyslop, 1918) iNaturalist 171050779 by jimeckert49. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

The Pyrophorini are a distinct tribe of bioluminescent beetles within the Elateridae family, primarily found in the New World, particularly known for their unique reproductive behaviors and ecological roles as decomposers and potential pollinators.

Physical Characteristics

Bioluminescent beetles; generally exhibit illumination in certain body parts, particularly in the abdominal area.

Identification Tips

Look for bioluminescent traits and characteristic morphological features such as elongated body shapes typical of click beetles.

Habitat

Typically found in forested areas, often in leaf litter or near decaying wood.

Distribution

Found in the New World, specifically in southern regions such as Florida and Arizona.

Diet

Larvae may feed on decaying organic matter; adults are thought to feed on nectar or pollen but specific diets vary by species.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages; bioluminescence is mainly observed in the adult stage.

Reproduction

Mating behaviors often involve bioluminescent displays; specific reproductive strategies may vary among species.

Predators

Birds, amphibians, and other predatory insects may prey on Pyrophorini beetles.

Ecosystem Role

Serve as decomposers and may play a role in pollination; bioluminescence may have ecological functions related to predation and mating.

Collecting Methods

Light traps during nighttime as adults are bioluminescent and attracted to light.
Netting from foliage and leaf litter.

Preservation Methods

Drying specimens in a cool, dark environment to preserve bioluminescent properties.
Using ethanol or freezing for preservation if immediate preparation is not possible.

Evolution

Believed to be monophyletic, the tribe has a close evolutionary relationship with other bioluminescent beetles.

Similar Taxa

Anaissini (closely related tribe)
Campyloxeninae (a different monotypic subfamily with bioluminescent species)
Sinopyrophoridae (newly recognized bioluminescent beetle family)

Misconceptions

Some may confuse Pyrophorini with other bioluminescent beetles from different families or tribes due to their similar appearances.