Spectral correspondence between visual spectral sensitivity and bioluminescence emission spectra in the click beetle Pyrophorus punctatissimus (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

Abstract

The presence of two spectral mechanisms, near-ultraviolet and green ( λ max=545 nm), is strongly suggested by electroretinographic visual spectral sensitivity curves obtained under dark and red chromatic adaptation conditions in the compound eyes of the click beetle Pyrophorus punctatissimus. The bioluminescence emission of the dorsal prothoracic lanterns is deep green ( λ max=543 nm) and that of the ventral abdominal lantern is lime green ( λ max=556 nm) in colour in P. punctatissimus. A broad green visual receptor would detect both deep green and lime green bioluminescent optical signals.