Lampyridae
Guides
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.
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 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 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.