Firefly Species Research Articles

Firefly-inspired LED shines brighter

An organic light-emitting diode that mimics the three-layered structure of a firefly’s lantern shines brighter than conventional OLEDs, a development that could lead to TV and computer screens that use less energy (Nano Lett. 2016, DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b05183). The lantern of the firefly species Pyrocoelia rufa is covered in chitin structures 10 µm wide that lie like roofing tiles, with nanoscale ridges decorating their surfaces. These structures better match the index of refraction of air than plain chitin, and they reduce internal reflection, which improves light transmission out of the lantern. Below the chitin lies a layer of light-producing tissue, and below that is a light-reflective layer that bounces light out of the lantern. Ki-Hun Jeong of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology and colleagues mimicked these layers in their design: The top layer is a polymer resin patterned with chitin-like structures, followed by a layer of standard green

Integrative taxonomy of new firefly taxa from the Atlantic Rainforest

Tropical mountains are hotspots of biodiversity, hosting many endemic species. Here, we propose Luciuranus gen. nov. and four new firefly species dwelling in montane habitats of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Luciuranus gen. nov. is unique in the shape of the last abdominal segments of both males and females, varying in a clear species-specific fashion. Luciuranus josephi sp. nov. and L. jameshooki sp. nov. are restricted to Serra dos Órgãos mountain range, while L. dextrus sp. nov. and L. sinistrus sp. nov. are restricted to Serra da Mantiqueira formation. DNA barcoding with COI gene confirmed species identities and male–female associations. We propose that terminalia structures work together as a lock-and-key mechanism, avoiding hybridization in overlapping zones along heterogeneous habitats, such as montane forests, where temperature, moisture, and vegetation cover can change significantly even in small spatial and temporal scales. Such morphological displacement is discussed in terms of sexual selection on both male and female features. We also provide detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and a key to species based on males and females.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:05598351-4655-49E5-9011-B90DFC7D9435

Chemical investigation of winter fireflies (Ellychnia corrusca) reveals lucibufagins

The behavior and coloration of the winter firefly, Ellychnia corrusca, are indicative of the presence of chemical defenses. Also, E. corrusca is proposed to be phylogenetically related to other species of firefly that are known to exhibit chemical defenses. However, the identity of the defensive chemistry of E. corrusca is unknown. Through extraction and partial purification, four compounds were identified by one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR techniques, including COSY, HMBC and HSQC. The structures of these compounds were determined to be steroidal pyrones in the lucibufagin family. Presence of this class of molecules in E. corrusca confirms that it has chemical defenses against predators and supports a recent molecular phylogenetic tree.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the firefly, Luciola substriata (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

The firefly, Luciola substriata (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), is an aquatic firefly species, whose larvae inhabit ponds or lakes. Here we present the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of the firefly (GenBank accession number KP313820) and provide its annotation. This circular genome is 16,248 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a non-coding AT-rich region. Similar to other firefly species, the base composition of this mitochondrial genome is also biased toward A and T (44.09% A, 34.00% T, 12.89% C, and 9.01% G). All 13 protein-coding genes start with a typical mitochondrial start codon, and terminate with a usual stop codon TAA, or TAG or a single T. The non-coding AT-rich region (1636 bp in length) include one (A)20, and two (T)15 tandem repeats, and one (AAT)5 element. This mitochondrial genome sequence will promote a better understanding for firefly evolution in the future.

Artificial Night Lighting Reduces Firefly (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) Occurrence in Sorocaba, Brazil

Artificial night lighting is gaining attention as a new type of pollution; however, studies of its impacts are scarce. Fireflies provide good models to investigate its effects on nocturnal wildlife, since they depend on their bioluminescence for reproduction. This study investigated the impact of artificial illumination on firefly activity at the new campus of the Federal University of S&atildeo Carlos (Sorocaba, Brazil). The flashing activity of different firefly species, especially Photinus sp1 (82% of all occurrences), was investigated during 3 years, before and after the installation of multi metal vapor spotlights. Quantitative and qualitative analysis, performed in transects at different distances from the artificial light sources, showed significant negative effects on Photinus sp1 occurrence. This study proposes fireflies as potential flagship species and bioindicators for artificial night lighting and for the first time quantifies its effects, providing subsidies for future conservationist legislations regarding photopollution.

Species Delineation of Malaysian Mangrove Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) using DNA Barcodes

Identification and revision of firefly species are largely based on morphological characteristics. Subsequently, female firefly specimens have been neglected in taxonomic inventories because morphological descriptions relied only on male firefly specimens. In light of successful DNA barcoding in many invertebrates, this study explored the potential of DNA barcoding to complement morphological identification of fireflies in Malaysia. Firefly specimens were collected from riparian forests (including mangroves) in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak. Specimens were morphologically examined, and their DNA was extracted for molecular analysis. The morphological data of the male specimens was found to be congruent with molecular data, i.e., both indicated 12 species. However, inclusion of females and larvae in the DNA analysis increased the species count to 14 species. We also found distinct geographically structured variations in the DNA barcodes of two species: Pteroptyx tener Olivier and Pteroptyx bearni Olivier. The study indicates that firefly species delimitation using traditional taxonomic knowledge and new technology like DNA barcoding are compatible, therefore increasing the reliability of species identification.

The Occurrence and Behaviors of North American Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) on Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca L.

At four sites spanning a general triangle with 50–100 km legs in East Tennessee over a six-week period in July and August 2013, 56 fireflies, male and female, from four species and three genera were associated with common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca L. Photinus pyralis (L.), Photinus cooki Green, Pyropyga minuta LeConte, and an determined species of Photuris Dejean repeatedly exhibited seven common behaviors of nectaring from individual blooms and stigmatic slits and actively mouthing floral stems, recurved sepals, and uppermost leaves, lasting from 9–175 minutes. Milkweed pollinia were noted on three of the four species. Maximum firefly presence was observed the first two survey days, 7 and 8 July, falling to low but persistent numbers the remainder of the survey. These firefly behaviors were observed primarily in the four hours before sunset and after sunrise. Twelve Photuris larvae were observed feeding on milkweed rhizomes in captivity. Reports of milkweed-firefly associations involving at least four additional firefly species in two additional genera, Lucidota atra (Olivier), Photinus indictus (LeConte), Pyropyga decipiens (Harris) and a species of Pyractomena Melsheimer spanning 90 years across the eastern US are presented along with recent reports of similar behaviors witnessed from Texas to Canada.

Sharp intense line in the bioluminescence emission of the firefly.

Numerous investigations have been carried out on the spectral distribution of the light of different species of fireflies. Here we record the emission spectrum of the Indian species of the firefly Luciola praeusta Kiesenwetter 1874 (Coleoptera : Lampyridae : Luciolinae) on a color film. Green and red color-sectors, with an intense yellow one in between, appear in this spectrum. Intensity profile of this spectrum reveals a hitherto undetected strong narrow yellow line, which lies within the full-width-at-half maximum (FWHM) of the intensity profile. The spectrum recorded in a high-resolution spectrometer confirms the presence of this sharp intense line. This finding lends support to an earlier drawn analogy between the in vivo emission of the firefly and laser light.

New species of fireflies from the Dominican Republic (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

Three new fireflies, Lychnacris vulpes sp. nov., Robopus velozi sp. nov. and R. oviedoensis sp. nov., are described from the Dominican Republic.

Preliminary study on Lampyrids in Kiralakelle nature reserve, Matara District, Southern Sri Lanka; An ecotourism perspective

Lampyrids or fireflies are one of the ecotourism subjects throughout the world and there is a possibility to use them as a rapidly increasing tourism aspect in Sri Lanka. Previous records have revealed 63 species of fireflies belonging to 24 genera were listed in the country. However, the ecotourism significance of Sri Lankan firefly fauna is poorly studied and never been documented. The aim of the present study was to introduce the existing lampyrid fauna of Kiralakelle nature reserve in ecotourism view point as one of proposed tourism development site in Southern Province, Matara, Sri Lanka.Study carried out throughout year 2010 from 6.00 p.m. to 22.00 p.m. as one sampling in each month. Fireflies were observed using 6 observation points located in two types of landscapes (1-3 points closer to forest patches and 4-6 closer to marshy water filling lands) along the main pathway of the nature reserve. Each point had 2.5 m radius and distance between two points was 250m. Abundance and diversity indices were estimated. Totally, 7 adult firefly species, namely Luciola cingulata, L. extricans, L. melaspis, L. praeusta complex, and Asymmetricata humeralis, Curtos costipennis and Lamprigera tenebrosa were recorded. Genus- Luciola was the dominant lampyrid group in nature reserve and the lowest abundance was recorded in genus-Lamprigera fireflies. While A. humeralis was the highly abundant species in nature reserve, L. extricanswas recorded as the less abundant one. The highest percentage abundance of recorded lampyrids was shown in observation point 1 and the lowest in point 5. The average percentage abundance of lampyrids was high in 1-3 observation points closer to forest patches than others. L. cingulata, L. praeusta complex and A. humeralis were shown their abundance throughout the year in Kiralakelle nature reserve and the other 4 species were recorded as seasonally dominant lampyrids. The highest Shannon Wiener diversity was obtained from observation point 2 (1.554) and the lowest in point 6 (1.240). Records of this study will be helpful for better understanding of firefly fauna in Kiralakelle nature reserve and provide clear outline of their usability for tourism success. The site currently has threatened by illegal human activities such as felling, garbage filling, animal hunting and forests firing. Hence, additional conservation strategies are needed to protect the lampyrid fauna in this nature reserve. Sustainable ecotourism based on lampyrids will be a vital aspect to succeed the night-tourism industry in Kiralakelle nature reserve in future and throughout Sri Lanka as well. Key words: Ecotourism, Kiralakelle nature reserve, Lampyrids

Sexual dimorphism, mating systems, and nuptial gifts in two Asian fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

Many insect taxa show conspicuous sexual dimorphism in which females lack functional wings and are therefore incapable of flight. In fireflies, this loss of female flight is correlated with male production of spermatophore nuptial gifts, with species with flightless females also lacking gift production. In this study we further examined the relationship between sexual dimorphism and nuptial gifts by examining the reproductive ecology of two Asian fireflies, the sexually monomorphic Aquatica ficta (Luciolinae) and dimorphic Pyrocoelia pectoralis (Lampyrinae). We describe the reproductive anatomy of P. pectoralis males and females, and the time course of A. ficta spermatophore transfer. Through a series of mating experiments, we determined the effect of the number of matings on female fecundity, egg hatching success and female lifespan. The spermatophore-producing A. ficta was found to be monandrous, and female lifespan doubled as a result of that single mating. P. pectoralis was found to lack spermatophores but females were polyandrous and fecundity and egg hatching success both increased with additional matings. These results contradict patterns known from North American firefly species and provide insight into the role of male-derived substances in mating systems.

Spectral Tuning between Vision and Bioluminescence in Beetles, An Example of von Uexkull's Functional Cycle

Spectral Tuning between Vision and Bioluminescence in Beetles, An Example of von Uexkull's Functional Cycle

Pteroptyx maipo Ballantyne, a new species of bent-winged firefly (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) from Hong Kong, and its relevance to firefly biology and conservation

Pteroptyx maipo Ballantyne, a new species of bent-winged firefly (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) from Hong Kong, and its relevance to firefly biology and conservation

Firefly flashing and jumping spider predation

Bioluminescent flashing in fireflies, while primarily a sexual signal, is known to deter some predators while attracting others. We tested whether flashing serves an antipredator function against two species of diurnal, visually hunting jumping spiders, Phidippus princeps and Phidippus audax. To confirm anecdotal reports that fireflies flash during the day in a nonmating context, we documented that adult fireflies (Photuris sp.) of both sexes flash when disturbed in daylight. We also confirmed that activity periods of Phidippus and fireflies overlap, and that spiders attack fireflies and elicit flashing behaviour. We conducted three experiments to examine the influence of flashing on spider behaviour. (1) We tested whether the sudden onset of a flashing LED startled spiders that had initiated attacks on crickets, and found no evidence that it did so. (2) We used choice tests to determine whether flashing lights attracted or deterred spiders from attacking palatable prey. Spiders more often attacked crickets positioned next to a flashing LED versus an LED that was either off or glowed steadily. (3) Many firefly species are distasteful. Therefore, we tested whether flashing lights facilitate avoidance of unpalatable prey with experience. Spiders were given seven encounters with unpalatable prey (nonluminescent Ellychnia corrusca fireflies) associated with either flashing or unlit LEDs. Spiders in the two treatments were equally likely to attack the prey during their first encounter, but spiders exposed to flashing LEDs were significantly less likely to attack unpalatable prey by their seventh trial. Spiders tested with palatable prey showed no decline in attacks after exposure to flashing LEDs. We conclude that, although bioluminescent flash signals may increase attack rates by predatory jumping spiders, they may also facilitate learning about unpalatable prey. Thus, the costs and benefits of flashing may depend on the prevalence of firefly palatability.

Pteroptyx maipo Ballantyne, a new species of bent-winged firefly (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) from Hong Kong, and its relevance to firefly biology and conservation

Pteroptyx maipo sp. nov. is the first record of the genus Pteroptyx Olivier from mainland China and Hong Kong and represents the most northerly record for this genus. The description includes all life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult, and covers special structures such as the female bursa plates and male copulatory clamp. Details of habitat, male courtship flash patterns and male-female courtship behaviour are described. This species is the second in the genus Pteroptyx found to use a copulatory clamp, which functions to wedge the mating pair together. A complete clamp however does not appear necessary for successful insemination. Bursa plates hold the spermatophore partially projecting into a spermatophore-digesting gland. Other functions for the plates are investigated and discussed. The deflexed elytral apex appears after eclosion in the adult male. Mechanisms for the loss of ventrite 8 in the male abdomen are explored. A list of the 30 Pteroptyx species recognised here, with habitats, some morphological characteristics and a key to species of the Oriental Pteroptyx are provided.

Aquatica gen. nov. from mainland China with a description of Aquatica wuhana sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae)

Aquatica, a new genus of aquatic fireflies from mainland China, is described and keyed from males of A. leii (Fu et Ballantyne 2006), A. ficta (Olivier 1909), A. hydrophila (Jeng et al. 2003) and A. lateralis (Motsch. 1860), all transferred from Luciola, and A. wuhana sp. n. from Hubei Province, which is described from adult males and females and larvae. Adult females and larvae are associated for all species. Five species of aquatic fireflies are now recorded from China.

Aquatica gen. nov. from mainland China with a description of Aquatica Wuhana sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae)

Aquatica, a new genus of aquatic fireflies from mainland China, is described and keyed from males of A. leii (Fu et Ballantyne 2006), A. ficta (Olivier 1909), A. hydrophila (Jeng et al. 2003) and A. lateralis (Motsch. 1860), all transferred from Luciola, and A. wuhana sp. n. from Hubei Province, which is described from adult males and females and larvae. Adult females and larvae are associated for all species. Five species of aquatic fireflies are now recorded from China.

Do courtship flashes of fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) serve as aposematic signals to insectivorous bats?

Adult males of some species of fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are chemically defended and produce bioluminescent courtship signals while flying in search of females. These signals may have positive or negative consequences unrelated to mating. Eavesdropping Photuris fireflies use bioluminescence to locate and prey on smaller Photinus. We examined whether flash signals of Photinus act as aposematic signals against insectivorous bats. We used field observations of four species of North American bats, diet and controlled behavioural experiments to assess taste aversion and responses to simulated fireflies. Fireflies were absent from the bats' diet even though these species co-occurred at our field sites and bats consumed other coleopterans and firefly-sized prey. Caged bats rejected mealworms coated with homogenized fireflies, and flying bats responded differentially to moving lures based on a combination of flash cues and lure size. Flash signals of fireflies probably operate as aposematic warnings to the common bat, Eptesicus fuscus, supporting the idea that bioluminescent courtship in fireflies operates under competing selective pressures.

Firefly Femmes Fatales: A Case Study in the Semiotics of Deception

Mimicry and deception are two important issues in studies about animal communication. The reliability of animal signs and the problem of the benefits of deceiving in sign exchanges are interesting topics in the evolution of communication. In this paper, we intend to contribute to an understanding of deception by studying the case of aggressive signal mimicry in fireflies, investigated by James Lloyd. Firefly femmes fatales are specialized in mimicking the mating signals of other species of fireflies with the purpose of attracting responding males to become their prey. These aggressive mimics are a major factor in the survival and reproduction of both prey and predator. It is a case of deception through active falsification of information that leads to efficient predation by femmes fatales fireflies and triggered evolutionary processes in their preys’ communicative behaviors. There are even nested coevolutionary interactions between these fireflies, leading to a remarkable system of deceptive and counterdeceptive signaling behaviors. We develop here a semiotic model of firefly deception and also consider ideas advanced by Lloyd about the evolution of communication, acknowledging that deception can be part of the explanation of why communication evolves towards increasing complexity. Increasingly complex sign exchanges between fireflies evolve in an extremely slow pace. Even if deceptive maneuvers are played out time and time again between particular firefly individuals, the evolution of the next level of complexity—and thus the next utterance in the dialogue between species—is likely to take an immense amount of generations.

From Fireflies to Fault-Tolerant Swarms of Robots

One of the essential benefits of swarm robotic systems is redundancy. In case one robot breaks down, another robot can take steps to repair the failed robot or take over the failed robot's task. Although fault tolerance and robustness to individual failures have often been central arguments in favor of swarm robotic systems, few studies have been dedicated to the subject. In this paper, we take inspiration from the synchronized flashing behavior observed in some species of fireflies. We derive a completely decentralized algorithm to detect non-operational robots in a swarm robotic system. Each robot flashes by lighting up its on-board light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and neighboring robots are driven to flash in synchrony. Since robots that are suffering catastrophic failures do not flash periodically, they can be detected by operational robots. We explore the performance of the proposed algorithm both on a real-world swarm robotic system and in simulation. We show that failed robots are detected correctly and in a timely manner, and we show that a system composed of robots with simulated self-repair capabilities can survive relatively high failure rates.