Phengodes laticollis
LeConte, 1881
glowworm beetle
Phengodes laticollis is a glowworm beetle in the Phengodidae, notable for pronounced and across all life stages. Females are , larger than males, and produce yellow or green light from organs on trunk segments. Males are smaller, winged, and possess large curved . The has been documented circumventing chemical defenses through specialized predatory .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phengodes laticollis: /fɛŋˈɡoʊdiːz ˌlætɪˈkoʊlɪs/
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Identification
Females distinguished by and large size (14–20 mm) with orange and black coloration; males by small size, short wrinkled forewings, and prominent curved . Distinguished from Phengodes frontalis by medially smoother and longer body form; both share rounder pronotums. present in all life stages separates this species from most beetles.
Appearance
males: 3.3–25 mm, brown and black, with short forewings positioned toward the tip, lined and wrinkled in texture; large positioned laterally on ; large curved . Females: 14–20 mm, (larva-like), orange and black splotched coloration; larger than males. Larvae: (tubular), stout legs, head pointed forward prominently, divided into three parts, single pair of ocelli on each side of head. : oval, white, (becoming luminous up to one month after laying). Both sexes and larvae possess luminescent organs on trunk segments producing yellow or green light.
Habitat
Found in moist environments including wet soil, leaf litter, and on tree bark and leaves where humidity is elevated above ground level. activity pattern associated with use.
Distribution
New World distribution with primary diversity in tropical America; documented in North America including central Pennsylvania and West Virginia (where considered vulnerable).
Diet
Larvae are of millipedes, specifically documented preying on Floridobolus penneri. Feeding apparatus adapted for fluid uptake and delivery via cylindrical .
Life Cycle
laid on ground in groups, encapsulated by female for a period; eggs oval, white, after approximately one month. Larvae with distinct . details not documented. males winged; females remain throughout life.
Behavior
activity in both sexes. Males locate females using . Females use as warning signal to nocturnal . Larvae employ specialized strategy: mount prey, coil around front end, pierce intersegmental with hollow sickle-shaped , and inject (gastric) fluid to rapidly paralyze prey—preventing millipede defensive gland discharge. Larvae feed on liquified contents without contacting toxic secretions.
Ecological Role
of millipedes, contributing to regulation of diplopod . functions in predator deterrence (females) and potentially mate location.
Human Relevance
Subject of research on biochemistry and mechanisms of circumventing prey chemical defenses. Considered vulnerable in West Virginia, indicating potential conservation concern.
Similar Taxa
- Phengodes frontalisSimilar round pronotum; distinguished by P. laticollis having medially smoother and lengthways longer body
- Floridobolus penneriNot a but relevant as primary documented prey; with benzoquinone chemical defenses that P. laticollis larvae circumvent