Lampyridae
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
Bicellonycha is a genus of fireflies (Lampyridae) comprising more than 40 described species. Species within this genus exhibit diverse ecological tolerances, with some such as B. lividipennis showing adaptation to artificial night lighting and anthropogenic disturbance, while others including B. wickershamorum face conservation threats and have been petitioned for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The genus occurs primarily in the Americas, with documented presence in Brazil and the United States.
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.
Ellychnia captiosa
dark firefly
Ellychnia captiosa is a species of dark firefly in the family Lampyridae. Unlike bioluminescent fireflies, members of the genus Ellychnia lack light-producing organs and are active during daylight hours. The species was described by Kenneth Fender in 1970. Dark fireflies represent a distinct ecological guild within the Lampyridae, having secondarily lost the nocturnal signaling behavior characteristic of most fireflies.
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 flavicollis
Ellychnia flavicollis is a species of firefly in the beetle family Lampyridae. It belongs to the genus Ellychnia, a group commonly known as "dark fireflies" that lack the light-producing organs typical of most fireflies. The species was originally described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1868. Based on available records, it occurs in North America. As with many Ellychnia species, detailed biological information remains limited.
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 hatchi
dark firefly
Ellychnia hatchi is a species of dark firefly in the family Lampyridae, first described by Fender in 1962. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Photinus hatchi in some taxonomic databases, though it remains listed under Ellychnia in others. Dark fireflies of the genus Ellychnia are non-luminescent as adults, lacking the light-producing organs characteristic of most fireflies. The species is known from North America.
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.
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.
Lucidotini
fireflies, lightning bugs
Lucidotini is the largest tribe of fireflies (Lampyridae), comprising approximately 34 genera and 849 species—nearly one-third of all described firefly species worldwide. The tribe is taxonomically challenging due to overlapping diagnostic features across taxonomic levels and historical reliance on homoplastic morphological characters. Recent phylogenetic studies incorporating terminalia and genital traits have substantially improved genus-level delimitations within the group.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.