Firefly
Guides
Aspisoma
Aspisoma is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) comprising at least 70 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropics. Species in this genus exhibit distinctive coloration patterns that differ markedly from typical North American fireflies: yellow to orange elytra with black markings rather than the reverse, and diurnal activity in some species. The genus belongs to tribe Cratomorphini within subfamily Lampyrinae. Taxonomic knowledge of South American species remains incomplete, with many specimens identified only to genus level.
Aspisoma ignitum
Dixon's striped firefly
Aspisoma ignitum is a firefly species (family Lampyridae) distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. It represents one of the more broadly distributed Aspisoma species in the Neotropics. The species exhibits a distinctive color pattern compared to many North American fireflies, with yellow elytra bearing black markings rather than the more common black-with-yellow pattern. It has been recorded as active during daylight hours, differing from the typical crepuscular or nocturnal activity of most fireflies.
Bicellonycha wickershamorum
Southwest spring firefly
Bicellonycha wickershamorum is a North American firefly species described by Cicero in 1982. It is among four firefly species petitioned for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act due to conservation concerns. The species belongs to the subfamily Photurinae, which includes flashing fireflies that use bioluminescent signals for communication. Two subspecies are recognized: B. w. wickershamorum and B. w. piceum.
Bicellonycha wickershamorum wickershamorum
Bicellonycha wickershamorum wickershamorum is a subspecies of firefly in the family Lampyridae, described by Cicero in 1982. It is one of several North American firefly species petitioned for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The species belongs to the genus Bicellonycha, which includes fireflies found in arid southwestern habitats.
Brachylampis
Brachylampis is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) described by Van Dyke in 1939. The genus contains at least two species: B. blaisdelli and B. sanguinicollis, both described in the same year. It belongs to the subfamily Ototretinae, a group of fireflies characterized by reduced or absent light-producing organs in adults. Information on biology and ecology remains sparse due to limited study and few observations.
Brachylampis blaisdelli
Blaisdell's firefly
Brachylampis blaisdelli is a species of firefly in the family Lampyridae, described by Van Dyke in 1939. It is placed in the subfamily Ototretinae, a group characterized by reduced or absent light-producing organs in adults. The species is known from western North America and is one of at least three North American species in a closely related group within the genus.
Ellychnia
dark firefly, diurnal firefly
Ellychnia is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) containing approximately 24 species found across the United States. Unlike most fireflies, adults are diurnally active and lack bioluminescent organs, instead using chemical signals for mate recognition. Adults are characterized by black bodies with distinctive rose-colored markings on the pronotum. Larvae inhabit rotting logs in moist terrestrial environments.
Ellychnia corrusca
winter firefly
Ellychnia corrusca, commonly known as the winter firefly, is a diurnal beetle in the family Lampyridae that lacks bioluminescent organs as an adult. Adults are active during winter and early spring, overwintering on tree bark before mating in March through May. The species exhibits an unusual life cycle timing that separates its activity from nocturnal firefly predators. It is notable for its association with maple syrup production, where adults frequently enter sap collection buckets.
Ellychnia facula
Ellychnia facula is a species of firefly in the family Lampyridae. It is currently treated as a synonym of Photinus faculus in some taxonomic databases, though the original combination under Ellychnia persists in literature. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1854 and is recorded as widespread across North America. Like other members of the genus Ellychnia, this species belongs to the 'dark firefly' group—adults that lack the light-producing organs typical of most fireflies.
Ellychnia greeni
Ellychnia greeni is a firefly species originally described in the genus Ellychnia but currently recognized as a synonym of Photinus greeni. The species was described by Fender in 1962 and is known from North America. Like other members of the family Lampyridae, it is a beetle with bioluminescent capabilities, though specific details about its biology remain limited in available sources.
Ellychnia irrorata
Ellychnia irrorata is a species of firefly in the family Lampyridae, originally described by Fender in 1970. The species was formerly placed in the genus Photinus as Photinus irroratus but has since been transferred to Ellychnia. Like other members of the genus Ellychnia, this species belongs to the 'dark fireflies'—a group that lacks the light-producing organs characteristic of most fireflies. The species is part of a taxonomically complex group where species boundaries and generic placements have undergone revision.
Ellychnia lacustris
Ellychnia lacustris is a species of firefly in the family Lampyridae, originally described by LeConte in 1852. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Photinus lacustris in modern taxonomic databases. Like other members of the genus Ellychnia, this species belongs to the group commonly known as "dark fireflies"—species that lack the bioluminescent organs characteristic of many lampyrids. The species has been recorded from North America.
Ellychnia megista
Ellychnia megista is a species of dark firefly in the family Lampyridae, described by Fender in 1970. Like other members of the genus Ellychnia, this species lacks the light-producing organs characteristic of most fireflies and is active during daylight hours rather than at night. The species is currently accepted in the genus Ellychnia, though it was originally described under Photinus. Dark fireflies in this genus are among the most commonly encountered fireflies in western North America, particularly in the southwestern United States and Rocky Mountain regions.
Ellychnia simplex
Ellychnia simplex is a species of firefly (family Lampyridae) described by LeConte in 1885. It is currently classified as a synonym of Photinus lawrencei. The species belongs to the subfamily Lampyrinae and tribe Lucidotini. It has been recorded from North America and Middle America. Like other members of the genus Ellychnia, it is a diurnal firefly that lacks the light-producing organs typical of nocturnal fireflies.
Lampyrinae
typical fireflies
Lampyrinae is the largest subfamily of fireflies (Lampyridae), comprising over half of the family's genera. Historically used as a 'wastebin taxon' for fireflies with unresolved relationships, recent molecular phylogenetics have clarified its boundaries as a monophyletic group. The subfamily exhibits exceptional diversity in bioluminescent communication, including both flashing and continuous-glow species distributed across the Holarctic and tropical regions. Ancestral Lampyrinae likely possessed primitive or absent light signals, with several modern lineages independently reverting to pheromone-based communication.
Lucidota atra
black firefly, woodland lucy
Lucidota atra is a diurnal firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, native to eastern North America. Unlike most fireflies, adults are active during daylight hours and lack functional light organs. Males locate females using pheromone-sensing antennae rather than bioluminescent signals. The species completes its life cycle in moist woodland habitats, with bioluminescent larvae preying on soft-bodied invertebrates.
Lucidota luteicollis
Florida Scrub Dark Firefly
Lucidota luteicollis is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, endemic to Florida scrub habitats. First described by LeConte in 1878, it is one of the dark fireflies that lack the prominent light-producing organs seen in some better-known firefly species. The species has a restricted geographic range limited to the Florida peninsula.
Lucidota punctata
Dotted Firefly
Lucidota punctata is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, native to North America. It was first described by LeConte in 1852 under the basionym Lychnuris punctata. The species is commonly known as the Dotted Firefly. Like other fireflies, it belongs to the soft-bodied beetle family characterized by bioluminescent capabilities in many species, though specific luminescent patterns for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Lycostomus simulans
Lycostomus simulans is a species of firefly in the family Lampyridae. It belongs to the genus Lycostomus, which comprises bioluminescent beetles found in North America. The specific epithet 'simulans' suggests a resemblance to other species, though the exact nature of this similarity is not detailed in available sources. Like other fireflies, this species likely produces light through chemical bioluminescence, though specific behavioral or ecological details for this particular species are not well documented.
Microphotus
Microphotus is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) endemic to the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. The genus comprises ten described species, with seven occurring in the United States and three in Mexico. Members are commonly known as desert fireflies, with Microphotus octarthrus specifically bearing this common name. The genus was established by LeConte in 1866 and has been the subject of recent taxonomic revisions describing several new species in 2021.
Microphotus
Microphotus is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) in western North America. At least one undescribed species is known to exist, distinguished from described congeners by morphological and potentially genetic differences. The genus is poorly studied relative to more widespread firefly genera, and taxonomic revision is needed to clarify species boundaries.
Microphotus angustus
California Pink Glowworm
Microphotus angustus is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, commonly known as the California Pink Glowworm. It is found in North America, with distribution records spanning Middle America and North America. The species was described by LeConte in 1874. As a member of Lampyridae, it possesses bioluminescent capabilities, though specific details of its light production and mating signals remain poorly documented in available sources.
Microphotus dilatatus
Dilated glow-worm
Microphotus dilatatus is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. It is commonly known as the dilated glow-worm. The species occurs in both Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Microphotus, adults are likely to be bioluminescent, though specific behavioral and ecological details remain poorly documented.
Microphotus fragilis
Fragile glow-worm
Microphotus fragilis is a species of firefly (family Lampyridae) native to North America, with particular association to desert landscapes. The species is distinguished by conspicuously large eyes and a strongly convex pronotum. It was described by E. Olivier in 1912 and is one of the more rarely encountered North American lampyrids.
Microphotus pecosensis
Pecos desert firefly
Microphotus pecosensis is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, first described by Fall in 1912. It belongs to the genus Microphotus, which comprises small, often dimly luminescent fireflies found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. The species is known from limited observations, with only 14 documented records on iNaturalist.
Paraphausis
Paraphausis is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) established by Green in 1949. The genus contains a single described species, Paraphausis eximius. It belongs to the tribe Lampyrini within the subfamily Lampyrinae. The genus is rarely observed, with only seven documented observations on iNaturalist.
Phausis
shadow ghosts, blue ghost fireflies
Phausis is a genus of firefly beetles in the family Lampyridae, established by LeConte in 1851. The genus is notable for extreme sexual dimorphism: males are small, winged, and typically non-luminescent, while females are larviform, flightless, and bioluminescent. Ten species are described from North America, including the well-known blue ghost firefly (Phausis reticulata). The genus remains poorly studied due to the cryptic nature of its species, and its taxonomic boundaries with the related genus Lamprohiza are unclear.
Phausis inaccensa
Shadow Ghost
Phausis inaccensa, commonly called the shadow ghost, is a small firefly species notable for extreme sexual dimorphism. Females are larviform, wingless, and bioluminescent, while males possess wings but lack lanterns. The species inhabits forested areas of the central and eastern United States. Females exhibit extended parental care, guarding egg clutches until death.
Phausis nigra
Phausis nigra is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae, described by Hopping in 1937. It belongs to the genus Phausis, which includes other "shadow ghost" fireflies characterized by neotenic, wingless females that glow while flight-capable males lack lanterns. The species is found in North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species.
Phausis reticulata
Blue Ghost
A firefly species in the family Lampyridae known for the distinctive blueish-white glow of males observed at night. Males are fully winged and capable of flight, producing a steady continuous glow rather than flashing patterns typical of many fireflies. Females are wingless, paedomorphic, and retain a larval body form into adulthood. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism in both morphology and bioluminescent display.
Phausis rhombica
Phausis rhombica is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, described by Fender in 1962. It belongs to the genus Phausis, which includes other "shadow ghost" fireflies characterized by neotenic, wingless, glowing females and winged, non-luminous males. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Alberta, Canada.
Photinus ardens
Northern Ablaze Flash-train
Photinus ardens is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, known by the common name Northern Ablaze Flash-train. Like other Photinus fireflies, adults produce bioluminescent flashes for species-specific communication during courtship. The species is native to North America and belongs to a genus frequently targeted by predatory Photuris fireflies through aggressive mimicry. Larvae are predatory glowworms that hunt soil-dwelling invertebrates.
Photinus bivulnerus
Twice-wounded firefly
Photinus bivulnerus is a species of firefly in the genus Photinus, commonly known as the twice-wounded firefly. Like other members of its genus, it is a soft-winged beetle capable of bioluminescence through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase. The species is found in North America and was described by Green in 1949.
Photinus brimleyi
Sidewinder Firefly
Photinus brimleyi, commonly known as the Sidewinder Firefly, is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae. It is found in North America. As a member of the genus Photinus, it produces bioluminescence through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase. The species was described by Green in 1956.
Photinus carolinus
Smokies Synchronous Firefly, Synchronous Firefly
Photinus carolinus is a North American firefly renowned for its spectacular synchronous bioluminescent mating displays, where thousands of males flash in coordinated unison. This species was the first documented in North America to exhibit such behavior, which produces traveling waves of light across forest landscapes. Adults are active in early summer, with peak displays in late May to early June. The species inhabits mature hardwood forests in the Appalachian Mountains and has become a significant ecotourism attraction, particularly at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Photinus collustrans
Florida Fishhook
Photinus collustrans is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, first described by LeConte in 1878. It is found in North America. As a member of the genus Photinus, it likely exhibits bioluminescent courtship behavior typical of the group, though specific details for this species remain poorly documented.
Photinus concisus
Short-flash Firefly
Photinus concisus is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae, described by Lloyd in 1968. It is known from Kerrville, Texas, and is closely related to the widespread and well-studied Photinus pyralis. As a member of the genus Photinus, it likely exhibits bioluminescent courtship behavior typical of the group, though specific details for this species remain poorly documented. The common name "Short-flash Firefly" suggests a distinctive flash pattern used in mate recognition.
Photinus consanguineus
double cousin firefly
Photinus consanguineus, commonly known as the double cousin firefly, is a species of firefly in the genus Photinus found in eastern North America. Like other Photinus species, adults produce bioluminescent flashes through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase. Males fly and emit characteristic flash patterns to locate sedentary females, which respond with their own flashes to facilitate mating. The species faces threats from light pollution, habitat destruction, and lawn insecticides.
Photinus consimilis
Cattail Flash-train Firefly
Photinus consimilis, commonly known as the cattail flash-train firefly, is a medium-sized firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae. It is native to eastern North America, where it inhabits wetlands and riparian areas. The species is recognized by its distinctive flash pattern of 3 to 9 quick pulses in a series lasting about 2 seconds, with 9 to 12 seconds of darkness between flash trains. Its specific epithet 'consimilis' refers to its morphological similarity to closely related Photinus species.
Photinus cookii
Cook's firefly
Photinus cookii, known as Cook's firefly, is a small day-active firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae. Adults measure 5–7 mm and lack functional bioluminescent lanterns, a distinctive departure from typical nocturnal fireflies. The species was described by John Wagener Green in 1956 and named in honor of Carl Cook, who collected the holotype in Kentucky. It is one of the few known non-flashing fireflies, believed to locate mates using pheromones rather than light signals.
Photinus curtatus
Photinus curtatus is a firefly species in the family Lampyridae, first described by Green in 1956. It belongs to the genus Photinus, which includes numerous North American firefly species known for their bioluminescent courtship displays. Like other Photinus species, it is likely targeted by predatory Photuris fireflies that mimic its flash patterns. The species is documented from North America with specific records from Ontario, Canada.
Photinus dimissus
Texas Two-step Flasher
Photinus dimissus is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae, described by LeConte in 1881. It is found in North America and is commonly known as the Texas Two-step Flasher. Like other members of the genus Photinus, it produces bioluminescent signals through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase. The species has been documented through 64 observations on iNaturalist.
Photinus ignitus
Ignited Firefly
Photinus ignitus is a North American firefly species distinguished by its bioluminescent courtship displays. Males produce characteristic flash patterns to attract females, who respond from perches in vegetation. Research has documented seasonal plasticity in female mate choice behavior, with females becoming less selective as the breeding season progresses. Like other Photinus species, it produces defensive compounds called lucibufagins that protect against predators.
fireflybioluminescencemate-choiceseasonal-plasticitynuptial-giftaggressive-mimicryLampyridaeColeopteraNorth-Americaflash-communicationlucibufaginsexual-selectionoperational-sex-ratiocold-lightphotocytesluciferinluciferasenocturnalcourtshippredation-defenseinsect-declinelight-pollutionhabitat-lossinsecticide-exposuresoil-dwelling-larvaeglowwormpredatory-larvaesoft-bodied-preysnailsslugswormssoil-insectsbiological-controlflash-patternfemale-choicemale-choicebody-sizelantern-sizereproductive-investmentegg-provisioningspermatophoreflash-signalmating-successselectivitybreeding-seasondusknightvegetationgrasslawnsforestsfieldsedgescanopyairspaceColumbia-MarylandWashington-Baltimore-areaUniversity-of-Virginia-studylight-pollution-impactmating-disruptionurbanizationresidual-insecticideslawn-treatmentweather-cyclesfood-availabilitylarval-predationpopulation-fluctuationbanner-yearspectacleJuly-4thIndependence-DayMother-Nature's-fireworkspyrotechnictwinklinggalaxycold-light-efficiencyno-heat-productionphotocyte-cellsspecialized-light-organterminal-abdominal-segmentslightly-coloredgiant-eyesflash-detectionvisual-acuitynocturnal-visionchemical-ecologydefensive-chemistrysteroidal-pyronestoad-toxinsspider-repellentbird-repellentfemme-fatalepredatory-exploitationchemical-acquisitiondefense-sequestrationnuptial-feedingreproductive-successsexual-conflictflash-manipulationphotographic-challengeflash-rechargefemale-contortionflash-directionalityaimed-signalmale-expendabilityfemale-investmentoffspring-productionbattery-lifeconservation-concernpopulation-monitoringcitizen-scienceBoston-Museum-of-Sciencefirefly-data-projectAllegheny-National-Forestsynchronous-firefliesPhotinus-carolinusPhoturis-pennsylvanicaPennsylvania-Firefly-FestivalFIRE-TeamLynn-FaustSara-LewisThomas-EisnerAerial-FirebaughKyle-Hayneschemical-ecology-pioneerexperimental-studyfield-observationnatural-historybehavioral-ecologyethologyjournal-articlepeer-reviewed-researchscientific-investigationinsect-conservationnocturnal-insectbeetlesoft-winged-beetlenot-true-bugnot-flyElateroideaPolyphagaElateriformiaLampyrinaeLucidotiniaccepted-nameFall-192736-observationsiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBIWikipediaBug-of-the-WeekEntomology-Todayincomplete-informationdata-limitedresearch-opportunityfurther-study-neededPhotinus immaculatus
firefly
Photinus immaculatus is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae, described by Green in 1956. It occurs in North America. Like other Photinus fireflies, it produces bioluminescent light through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase. The species name "immaculatus" (Latin for "spotless" or "unstained") may refer to the lack of distinct markings on the elytra, though this has not been explicitly documented in the available sources.
Photinus knulli
Fall Southwest Firefly
Photinus knulli is a North American firefly species notable for its collective flash synchrony in sparse, low-density swarms. Males produce flash triplets lasting approximately one second, with phrases separated by 3–5 seconds. Synchrony occurs in periodic bursts with rapid accretion and quick decay, a pattern similar to but faster than the eastern Photinus carolinus. The species inhabits riparian areas in the American Southwest, particularly Arizona's Sky Island regions, and is considered Vulnerable by IUCN due to population decline from habitat degradation.
Photinus macdermotti
Father Mac's firefly, Mr. Mac
Photinus macdermotti is a medium-sized firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, native to eastern North America. Adults measure approximately 10 mm in length and are distinguished by a pale yellow pronotum with a black rectangular central mark bordered by red or pink. Males produce a characteristic flash pattern of two quick pulses separated by 2 seconds of darkness to attract females. The species is nearly identical in appearance to Photinus consanguineus and Photinus greeni, requiring careful identification.
Photinus obscurellus
Murky Flash-train
Photinus obscurellus is a species of firefly in the family Lampyridae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1851. It is one of numerous species in the large genus Photinus, which is widely distributed across North America. Like other members of its genus, it produces bioluminescent signals for mate communication. The species is known from North America including British Columbia, Canada.
Photinus punctulatus
Punctate firefly
Photinus punctulatus is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae, first described by LeConte in 1852. As a member of the genus Photinus, it possesses bioluminescent organs used for mate signaling. The species occurs in North America, though specific details about its distribution and ecology remain limited in available literature.
Photinus pyralis
Common Eastern Firefly, Big Dipper Firefly
Photinus pyralis is the most common firefly species in North America, distributed east of the Rocky Mountains. Males perform distinctive J-shaped flight patterns while flashing to attract females, earning the common name "big dipper firefly." The species produces yellow bioluminescence through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase in specialized abdominal organs. Larvae are predatory, spending up to two years underground before pupating and emerging as short-lived adults.
Photinus sabulosus
Creekside Tree Blinkers
Photinus sabulosus is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae, first described by Green in 1956. It is known from North America, with records from Ontario, Canada. The species bears the common name "Creekside Tree Blinkers," suggesting an association with riparian or wooded habitats. As a member of the genus Photinus, it likely exhibits the bioluminescent courtship flashes characteristic of this group, though species-specific flash patterns have not been documented in the provided sources.