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