Phengodes laticollis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Elateroidea
Family: Phengodidae
Tribe: Phengodini
Genus: Phengodes
Species: laticollis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phengodes laticollis: /fɛŋˈɡoʊdiːz ˌlætɪˈkoʊlɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Summary

Phengodes laticollis is a glowworm beetle known for its bioluminescent properties, with females exhibiting a larviform appearance and larger size compared to the smaller, luminescent males. It primarily inhabits the New World, particularly tropical regions, and is noted for its predatory behavior against millipedes.

Physical Characteristics

Females range from 14-20 millimeters and have an outer appearance of orange and black splotches. Males are smaller, ranging from 3.3-25 millimeters in length, with a brown and black appearance, large curved mandibles, short forewings positioned towards the tip, wrinkled wings, and large eyes that appear on the sides of their heads.

Identification Tips

Males are luminescent, while females and larvae possess luminescent organs on their trunk segments, producing yellow or green light.

Habitat

Wet soil or on trees and leaves, particularly where moisture levels are higher above the ground.

Distribution

Primarily found in the New World, particularly in tropical America; also listed as vulnerable in West Virginia.

Diet

Larvae prey on millipedes, specifically Floridobolus penneri, injecting intestinal fluids to kill them while avoiding toxic secretions from their prey.

Life Cycle

Eggs are oval and white, becoming luminescent within a month after being laid. Larvae are in a tubular, vermiform shape with stout legs, and prominent heads pointing forward.

Reproduction

Males use pheromones to locate females. There is evidence that female glowworms use their luminescence as a warning signal to nocturnal predators.

Predators

Specific predators include the millipede Floridobolus penneri, which the larvae of P. laticollis preys upon.

Conservation Status

Vulnerable, particularly in West Virginia.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae act as predators to millipedes, integrating into the food web as significant consumers of these invertebrates.

Evolution

Related to other luminescent beetles, indicating evolutionary adaptations for bioluminescence.

Misconceptions

All members of the family Phengodidae are luminescent, but only certain life stages (females and larvae) produce light in Phengodes laticollis.