Photinus pyralis

Common eastern firefly
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Lampyridae
Tribe: Photinini
Genus: Photinus
Species:
P. pyralis
Binomial name
Photinus pyralis

Photinus pyralis, also known by the common names the common eastern firefly[3] or big dipper firefly,[4] and sometimes called a "lightning bug",[5] is a species of flying beetle. An organ on its abdomen is responsible for its light production.[6] It is the most common species of firefly in North America, and is typically found east of the Rocky Mountains. Photinus fireflies are often confused with fireflies of the similar-sounding genus, Photuris, which are also found in North America.

Common eastern firefly (Photinus pyralis)

These fireflies are most noticeable around twilight in the spring and summer months.[7] The common name, big dipper firefly, is due to the characteristic flight of the males, whose trajectory appears to follow a J-shape, lighting on the upswing.[3][8] During flight, this J-pattern is used alongside light flashing to attract females, who rest on vegetation and signal back to males if interested.[9] The firefly flashes are stimulated by light-activated proteins, not rhythmic impulses as originally thought.

  1. ^ Walker A (2021). Photinus pyralis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T164046430A166771623 (Report). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T164046430A166771623.en. Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  2. ^ "Photinus pyralis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System.
  3. ^ a b "Animal Pictures Archive". Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved January 12, 2009.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference :3 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Feinstein, Julie (2011). Field Guide to Urban Wildlife. Stackpole Books. ISBN 978-0-8117-0585-1. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  6. ^ Roger Segelken Lured and liquidated, gullible male fireflies supply 'femmes fatales' with a lifesaving chemical Archived June 1, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Cornell Chronicle September 1, 1997. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  7. ^ Mast, S.O. 1912. Behaviour of fire-flies (Photinus pyralis) with special references to the problem of orientation. 256-272
  8. ^ Rau, P (1932). "Rhythmic periodicity and synchronous flashing in the firefly, Photinus pyralis, with notes on Photurus pennsylvacicus". Ecological Society of America. 13 (1): 7–11. Bibcode:1932Ecol...13....7R. doi:10.2307/1932487. JSTOR 1932487.
  9. ^ Maloney, Brenna; Smallwood, James (July 10, 2009). "How These Beetles Create Light". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved July 19, 2009.

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