Phengodes fenestrata
Wittmer, 1976
Phengodes fenestrata is a of glowworm beetle in the Phengodidae, described by Wittmer in 1976. The Phengodes is known for bioluminescent larvae that are of millipedes. Related species have been documented employing sophisticated chemical strategies to circumvent defensive secretions. The species occurs in North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phengodes fenestrata: //fɛŋˈɡoʊdiːz fɛˈnɛstrətə//
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Distribution
North America
More Details
Related species biology
The Phengodes laticollis has been studied in detail. Its larvae use hollow sickle-shaped to pierce intersegmental on the surface of prey, injecting gastric fluids that induce abrupt paralysis. This prevents the millipede from discharging defensive benzoquinones or hydrogen cyanide, allowing safe consumption of liquified body contents (Eisner et al. 1998).