Glowworm Beetles
Phengodidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Elateroidea
- Family: Phengodidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phengodidae: //fɛnˈɡoʊdɪˌdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Phengodidae are commonly known as glowworm beetles, with larvae and females exhibiting bioluminescence and a predatory lifestyle targeting millipedes. The family contains over 250 species found primarily in the New World, distinguishing itself from other luminescent beetles including fireflies.
Physical Characteristics
Adult males have variously shortened/narrowed soft elytra, branched antennae, and bulging eyes; adult females are larviform, differing only slightly in external appearance from mature larvae. Females are larger and have gonopore beneath a transverse fold on abdominal segment 10, with compound eyes present.
Identification Tips
Adult females are often indistinguishable from fully-grown larvae; look for the presence of gonopore and compound eyes to identify females.
Habitat
Found throughout the New World in areas with soil and litter where millipedes are present.
Distribution
Present from extreme southern Canada to Chile; mostly restricted within the US to the southwest (CA-TX).
Diet
Larvae and adult females feed on millipedes, while adult males do not feed.
Life Cycle
Life cycle includes larval stages where larvae are predatory on millipedes; adults are often short-lived and attracted to lights at night.
Reproduction
Females have a semi-circular slit on the penultimate ventrite associated with the copulatory gonopore; males probably do not feed and are not involved in parental care.
Ecosystem Role
Predators of millipedes and possibly other arthropods in soil and litter habitats.
Cultural Significance
Known for their bioluminescence, which has cultural significance in folklore and nature observation.
Collecting Methods
- Use pitfall traps near millipede habitats
- Collect at night using lights to attract adult males
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation for specimens
- Pin mounting for adults
Evolution
Originally included in the family Rhagophthalmidae, now recognized as a distinct family with over 250 species, showing evolutionary adaptations for bioluminescence and predation.
Misconceptions
Often confused with fireflies due to the common name 'glow-worms' used for the larval stage of both families; Phengodidae is distinct from Lampyridae.
Tags
- Phengodidae
- Glowworm Beetles
- Bioluminescence
- Predators
- Millipedes