Pyropyga
Motschulsky, 1852
dark fireflies
Species Guides
3- Pyropyga decipiens(Sneaky Elf)
- Pyropyga minuta(Flower Elf)
- Pyropyga nigricans(Dark Firefly)
Pyropyga is a of fireflies in the Lampyridae, comprising approximately 13 described distributed primarily across North America. of both sexes lack bioluminescent organs, distinguishing them from most firefly genera and earning them the 'dark fireflies.' The genus is among the most common fireflies in the western United States, particularly on the Front Range of Colorado and in the Southwest, though species occur continent-wide. Pyropyga was established by Motschulsky in 1852.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pyropyga: /paɪˈɹɒpɪɡə/
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Identification
Pyropyga can be distinguished from other North American fireflies by the complete absence of bioluminescent organs in of both sexes. This separates them from luminous such as Photinus, Photuris, and Pyractomena. They are grouped with other 'dark fireflies' including Ellychnia, though specific characters distinguishing Pyropyga from Ellychnia at the genus level require examination of morphological details not detailed in available sources.
Images
Distribution
Primarily North American, with distributed across the entire continent. Particularly common on the Front Range of Colorado and in the southwestern United States. Specific distribution records include Vermont.
Similar Taxa
- EllychniaBoth are 'dark fireflies' lacking bioluminescent organs in ; often mentioned together in ecological contexts
- PhotinusCommon North American firefly , but distinguished by having bioluminescent organs in
- PhoturisCommon North American firefly with bioluminescent , unlike Pyropyga
- PyractomenaNorth American firefly with bioluminescent , unlike Pyropyga
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Two names are listed as nomina dubia: Pyropyga exstincta (Gorham, 1880) and Pyropyga tarda Motschulsky, 1854.
Literature Omission
Noted by naturalist Eric Eaton that Pyropyga was inexplicably omitted from Sara Lewis's 2016 field guide chapter 'Common Fireflies of North America' in Silent Sparks, despite being among the most common fireflies in western North America.