Firefly
Guides
Photinus scintillans
Pale Firefly
Photinus scintillans is a species of firefly in the family Lampyridae, commonly known as the Pale Firefly. Like other Photinus species, adults produce bioluminescent signals through a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase. Males fly and emit characteristic flash patterns to attract females, which remain stationary in vegetation and respond with their own signals. The species is subject to predation by Photuris fireflies, which mimic their flash patterns to lure and consume males.
Photinus tenuicinctus
thinly-girdled firefly, Ozark spark
Photinus tenuicinctus is a firefly species endemic to the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma. Adults measure 8.5–11.5 mm in length. Males are fully winged and capable of flight, while females are brachypterous and flightless. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in both morphology and bioluminescent signaling.
Photinus texanus
Texas Tiny
Photinus texanus is a small firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, described by Green in 1956. As a member of the genus Photinus, it likely exhibits the characteristic bioluminescent courtship flashes typical of this group, though species-specific flash patterns have not been documented in the provided sources. The species is known from North America, with the specific epithet suggesting a connection to Texas. Like other Photinus species, it is presumed to have larvae that are predatory soil-dwellers, but detailed life history studies specific to this species are lacking.
Photurinae
lightning bugs
Photurinae is a subfamily of fireflies (Lampyridae) characterized by bioluminescent flashing signals used in sexual communication. Members exhibit a distinctive 'hunched' posture due to elevated anterior elytra relative to the pronotum. The subfamily contains four genera: Photuris (widespread in North and South America), Bicellonycha (Arizona and Mexico), Pyrogaster (principally Brazil), and Presbyolampis (Caribbean). The evolutionary origin of flashing in Photurinae relative to the related Lampyrinae remains unresolved.
Photuris
femme fatale lightning bugs, predatory fireflies
Photuris is a genus of predatory fireflies in the family Lampyridae, comprising at least 64 species restricted to temperate North America. Adult females are notable for aggressive mimicry: they imitate the bioluminescent flash signals of females from other firefly genera—primarily Photinus and Pyractomena—to attract, capture, and consume unsuspecting males. This predatory behavior allows Photuris females to obtain high-quality protein meals and acquire defensive chemicals called lucibufagins from their prey. The genus has been extensively studied for its remarkable coevolution of signal systems and chemical ecology.
Photuris billbrowni
Bill's Hitch
Photuris billbrowni is a species of predatory firefly in the family Lampyridae, described by Lloyd in 2018. As a member of the genus Photuris, it likely exhibits the aggressive mimicry behavior characteristic of this group, where females lure males of other firefly species by mimicking their flash patterns to capture and consume them. The species is known from North America and has been documented through limited observations. Like other Photuris species, it is nocturnal and bioluminescent.
Photuris congener
Florida Single Snappy
Photuris congener is a firefly species in the predatory genus Photuris, first described by LeConte in 1852. Like other Photuris species, females are known to practice aggressive mimicry, luring males of other firefly genera through flash pattern imitation. The species is commonly known as the 'Florida Single Snappy' and occurs in North America. As with congeners, it produces bioluminescence through a luciferin-luciferase reaction in specialized abdominal photocytes.
Photuris divisa
Photuris divisa is a species of firefly (family Lampyridae) described by LeConte in 1852. As a member of the genus Photuris, it is likely to share the predatory habits and aggressive mimicry behaviors characteristic of this group, though species-specific documentation for P. divisa remains limited. Fireflies in this genus are known for their bioluminescent courtship displays and, in females, the ability to mimic flash patterns of other firefly species to attract and prey upon them. The species is recorded from North America.
Photuris flavicollis
Photuris flavicollis is a firefly species in the predatory genus Photuris, originally described by Fall in 1927 and currently treated as a synonym of Photuris falli by some authorities though accepted as valid by GBIF. Like other Photuris species, it is a soft-winged beetle capable of bioluminescence. Members of this genus are known for aggressive mimicry, with females luring males of other firefly genera to capture and consume them, thereby acquiring defensive chemicals called lucibufagins.
Photuris frontalis
Snappy Single Sync
Photuris frontalis is a firefly species distinguished by its synchronous-flashing behavior, where males coordinate their light displays in unison. It occurs in isolated sub-populations across the Eastern United States, with notable abundance in several State and National Parks where its mating displays attract tourists. The species inhabits diverse environments ranging from cypress wetlands in Florida to semi-xeric pine-oak-hickory woodlands in Delaware. Its common name 'Snappy Single Sync' refers to its characteristic flash pattern.
Photuris hebes
heebie-jeebies, slow-hitch firefly
Photuris hebes is a medium-sized firefly species in the family Lampyridae, native to the eastern United States. Adults measure 10–12 mm and are distinguished by their brown to nearly black elytra with pale margins and variable pronotal coloration. Males signal with quick single flashes repeated approximately every second during summer evenings, with flash rate varying by temperature. The species is one of several in the genus Photuris known for aggressive mimicry of other firefly species.
Photuris salina
Salt marsh firefly
Photuris salina is a species of firefly in the family Lampyridae, described by Barber in 1951. As a member of the genus Photuris, it is likely predatory in both larval and adult stages, though specific behavioral details remain undocumented. The species is associated with salt marsh habitats, as indicated by its specific epithet and common name. Like other Photuris species, it possesses bioluminescent capabilities used for communication, though its precise flash pattern has not been formally described.
Pleotomodes
Pleotomodes is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) established by Green in 1948. The genus belongs to the tribe Pleotomini within the subfamily Lampyrinae. Members of this genus are bioluminescent beetles characterized by features typical of the Pleotomini tribe. The genus contains species distributed in certain regions, though detailed species-level documentation remains limited. Pleotomodes represents one of the lesser-documented genera within the diverse Lampyridae family.
Pleotomus nigripennis
Pleotomus nigripennis is a species of firefly in the family Lampyridae, first described by LeConte in 1885. It belongs to the tribe Pleotomini within the subfamily Lampyrinae. The species has been documented from multiple locations in North America, with a first state record from Utah reported in 2022. As a member of the Lampyridae, it possesses the bioluminescent capabilities characteristic of fireflies, though specific details about its light-producing behavior remain undocumented in available sources.
Pollaclasis
Pollaclasis is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) established by Newman in 1838. The genus contains at least one described species, P. bifaria. Like other lampyrids, members of this genus are beetles capable of bioluminescence. The genus is provisionally accepted in current taxonomic databases.
Pollaclasis bifaria
Branched Polly
Pollaclasis bifaria is a firefly beetle in the family Lampyridae, distributed across North America including Ontario, Canada. The species is known by the common name "Branched Polly." As a member of Lampyridae, it likely exhibits bioluminescence, though specific details about this species' biology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Prolutacea
firefly
Prolutacea is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) described by Cicero in 2006. The genus contains a single described species, Prolutacea pulsator. As a member of the subfamily Lampyrinae and tribe Lampyrini, it belongs to a diverse group of bioluminescent beetles. The genus is known from limited observations, with only 9 records documented on iNaturalist.
Prolutacea pulsator
Prolutacea pulsator is a species of firefly beetle in the family Lampyridae, described by Cicero in 1984. It belongs to the genus Prolutacea, a group of lampyrid beetles distributed in North and Middle America. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only six documented sightings on iNaturalist. The species' biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Pterotus obscuripennis
Douglas fir glow-worm
Pterotus obscuripennis, commonly known as the Douglas fir glow-worm, is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae. It is endemic to North America and has been recorded primarily in western coastal regions. The species is notable for its bioluminescent larvae, which are referred to as 'glow-worms.' Adults are non-luminous and possess reduced or non-functional mouthparts.
Pyractomena
fireflies
Pyractomena is a genus of fireflies in the family Lampyridae, comprising at least 20 described species. These beetles are known for their bioluminescent courtship displays, with adults typically active during twilight hours. The genus is part of the diverse Lampyridae family, which has been the subject of increasing scientific attention due to concerns about population declines across many firefly taxa.
Pyractomena angulata
Say's Firefly, Angle Candled Firefly
Pyractomena angulata is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, native to North America. It is notable as the state insect of Indiana and produces amber-to-orange bioluminescence characteristic of its genus. Adults are active from May through mid-July and inhabit woodland environments. The species was named in honor of entomologist Thomas Say, who first described it in 1825.
Pyractomena borealis
Spring Treetop Flasher, Spring tree-top flasher
Pyractomena borealis is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, commonly known as the Spring Treetop Flasher. It exhibits one of the widest distributions of any North American firefly, ranging from Alberta across Canada to the Maritime Provinces and southward to all U.S. states east of the Mississippi River. The species is active in spring and is associated with wooded habitats. Like other fireflies, it produces bioluminescence, though specific flash pattern details for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Pyractomena dispersa
Marsh Flicker
Pyractomena dispersa is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, described by Green in 1957. It occurs in North America with a disjunct distribution split into eastern and western populations by the Great Plains. The species inhabits wetland habitats and has been documented in Alberta, Canada. It is known as the Marsh Flicker.
Pyractomena ecostata
Keel-necked firefly
Pyractomena ecostata, the keel-necked firefly, is an endangered firefly species endemic to the United States with a highly disjunct distribution. It occurs in two widely separated coastal regions: the Mobile Bay area of Alabama east through peninsular Florida, and saltmarshes surrounding Delaware Bay and Cape May in Delaware and New Jersey. This species is restricted to brackish habitats, particularly those receiving saltwater intrusion, and faces severe threats from coastal development, sea level rise, invasive vegetation, and light pollution.
Pyractomena linearis
Marsh Gray Firefly
Pyractomena linearis is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, described by LeConte in 1852. It is a wetland specialist with a broad but sparsely documented range across the northern United States and southern Canada. The species faces documented threats from habitat destruction and light pollution. Recent observations are scarce despite its extensive historical range.
Pyractomena lucifera
Marsh imp
Pyractomena lucifera is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, commonly known as the marsh imp. It is a wetland specialist with a disjunct distribution across eastern North America. The species produces bioluminescent signals for mate communication and is threatened by habitat destruction and light pollution.
Pyractomena marginalis
Marginal firefly
Pyractomena marginalis is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae, described by Green in 1957. It is native to North America with a historically scattered distribution across the eastern United States, from eastern Texas north to southern Maine. Recent observations suggest the species has become restricted primarily to the Appalachian Mountains, though uncertainty persists due to identification difficulties and lack of comprehensive surveys. The species faces potential threats from light pollution.
Pyractomena punctiventris
Texas Hooker Firefly
Pyractomena punctiventris is a firefly species in the family Lampyridae, known from east-central Texas south to Veracruz, Mexico. It belongs to the genus Pyractomena, which comprises bioluminescent beetles commonly found in North American wetlands and riparian habitats. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1878. Like other fireflies, adults produce light through chemical bioluminescence, though specific flash patterns for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Pyractomena vexillaria
Pyractomena vexillaria is a species of firefly (beetle family Lampyridae) described by Gorham in 1881. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Pyractomena, it is a bioluminescent beetle, though specific details of its light display patterns and ecology remain poorly documented. The genus Pyractomena is distinguished by particular flash characteristics and adult morphology among North American firefly fauna.
Pyropyga
dark fireflies
Pyropyga is a genus of fireflies in the family Lampyridae, comprising approximately 13 described species distributed primarily across North America. Adults of both sexes lack bioluminescent organs, distinguishing them from most firefly genera and earning them the common name 'dark fireflies.' The genus is among the most common fireflies in the western United States, particularly on the Front Range of Colorado and in the Southwest, though species occur continent-wide. Pyropyga was established by Motschulsky in 1852.
Pyropyga decipiens
Sneaky Elf
Pyropyga decipiens is a firefly species in the beetle family Lampyridae, commonly known as the 'Sneaky Elf.' It belongs to the 'dark firefly' group—species that lack the conspicuous bioluminescent flashes typical of better-known fireflies. The species is widely distributed across North America, with records from New Brunswick, Canada, throughout the United States, and into the southwestern regions. Despite being one of the most common fireflies in parts of the western United States, particularly the Front Range of Colorado and the Southwest, it was notably omitted from major firefly field guides. Adults are diurnal or crepuscular and do not produce the dramatic light displays associated with other firefly genera.
Pyropyga minuta
Flower Elf
Pyropyga minuta is a tiny, day-active firefly species commonly known as the flower elf. Adults measure 3–7 mm and are solid black with a distinctive pale yellow pronotum marked by a dark central bar flanked by red. Unlike most fireflies, adults lack functional bioluminescent lanterns and do not flash; instead, they are believed to use pheromones for mate location. The species is widespread across North and Central America.
Pyropyga nigricans
Dark Firefly
Pyropyga nigricans is a species of dark firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae. Unlike many fireflies, it does not produce bright bioluminescent flashes. The species is widespread across North America, Central America, and central Europe, and is often the most common firefly in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Colorado Front Range. Adults are active during summer months and are frequently encountered in grassy areas near water sources.
Tenaspis
Tenaspis is a genus of fireflies (family Lampyridae) containing approximately 17 described species. These beetles are characterized by their bioluminescent capabilities, a defining trait of the Lampyridae family. The genus was established by LeConte in 1881 and is classified within the subfamily Lampyrinae and tribe Lamprocerini. Species in this genus are found in the Neotropical region, with distribution records from Colombia.
Tenaspis angularis
Tropic Traveler
Tenaspis angularis is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae, first described by Gorham in 1880. It occurs across Central America and North America. The species is known by the common name 'Tropic Traveler' and has been documented in 73 iNaturalist observations. As a member of the Lampyridae, it possesses the bioluminescent capabilities characteristic of fireflies, though specific details about its light-producing behavior remain poorly documented in the available literature.