Photinus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Photinus: /fəʊˈtaɪnəs/

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

Images

Summary

The genus Photinus, commonly referred to as fireflies or lightning bugs, includes approximately 34 described species in North America, notable for their terrestrial adult forms and complex mating signaling involving bioluminescence.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are 6–20 mm in size; generally diminutive with a pale apical border on male ventrite 5 except in P. cookii.

Identification Tips

Identification of individual specimens via morphology alone is often impossible.

Habitat

Commonly found along forest edges and roadside hedges, and over sheltered lawns in isolated colonies.

Distribution

Found in the eastern United States to Colorado and Texas, with 22 described species in North America.

Diet

Adults are thought to be detritivores and larvae are subterranean.

Life Cycle

Adults can be active for about half an hour with decreasing activity over the next 30-40 minutes during their flashing period.

Reproduction

Reproductive behavior includes unique flash signaling to attract mates, different flash patterns vary among groups.

Predators

Known to be distasteful to jumping spiders and birds due to chemical defenses (lucibufagins).

Ecosystem Role

As bioluminescent insects, they play a role in ecological signaling and may aid in nutrient cycling.

Collecting Methods

• Light traps
• Hand collection at night during active periods

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol preservation
• Pinned specimens

Similar Taxa

• Photuris
• Lampyridae

Misconceptions

Males of the genus Photinus can often be confused with those of Photuris, which is a genus known for predation on Photinus males.

Tags

• Lampyridae
• Bioluminescence
• Fireflies
• North America