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, better known by the common name, the common eastern firefly,[3] and colloquially called a "lightning bug",[4] is a species of flying beetle. An organ on this species abdomen is responsible for its light production.[5] 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, and fly close to the ground, usually around long blades of grass.[6] Due to the characteristic flight of the males, this species is also often called the big dipper firefly; the trajectory appears to follow a J-shape, lighting on the upswing.[3][7] During flight, this J-pattern is used alongside light flashing to attract females, who rest on vegetation instead of flying and signal back to males if interested.[8] 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. ^ Feinstein, Julie (2011). Field Guide to Urban Wildlife. Stackpole Books. ISBN 978-0-8117-0585-1. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ Mast, S.O. 1912. Behaviour of fire-flies (Photinus pyralis) with special references to the problem of orientation. 256-272
  7. ^ 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.
  8. ^ 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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