Phausis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phausis: //ˈfaʊsɪs//

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Images

Summary

The genus Phausis includes small fireflies, with P. reticulata known as blue ghost fireflies. Males emit a steady glow, while females remain in a larval form throughout their lives. Found in the southern Appalachians, they thrive in moist forest habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Small, elongate fireflies with a pair of anterior transparent windows in the pronotum over the eyes. Males are about 6–9 mm long, with a short second antennomere and large eyes. Females are wingless, yellow, and paedomorphic, measuring 4–9 mm long. The terminal antennomere has an apical glass-like bead.

Identification Tips

Look for the steady glow of males, which appears bluish-white at a distance and bright green when close. Females glow continuously from multiple spots on their bodies, aiding in mate attraction.

Habitat

Found in warm and moist forest areas, including dry and moist woods, near water, and along high, dry ridges.

Distribution

Recorded in the southern Appalachian Mountains and piedmont areas of Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, with isolated pockets in northern Florida.

Life Cycle

Females lay clutches of 20 to 30 eggs and guard them until death. Eggs hatch 4 to 5 weeks after the mother dies. Larvae are bioluminescent and measure approximately 1-2 mm.

Reproduction

Males locate glowing females during mating season; females can mate multiple times. Ideal mating conditions occur in warm, moist environments.

Similar Taxa

• Phausis reticulata
• Other members of Lampyridae

Misconceptions

Many firefly species exhibit flashing patterns, but P. reticulata males emit a steady glow.

Tags

• Phausis
• fireflies
• blue ghost fireflies
• bioluminescence
• Lampyridae