- Photinus pyralis
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Photinus pyralis Blow 
Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Coleoptera Family: Lampyridae Genus: Photinus Species: P. pyralis Binomial name Photinus pyralis
(Linnaeus, 1767) [1]Photinus pyralis, known by the common names common eastern firefly[2] and big dipper firefly,[3] is the most common species of firefly in North America.[4] This organism is sometimes incorrectly classified as Photuris pyralis, which likely results from mistaking the similar sounding genus Photuris.
The species' common name refers to the characteristic flight of the male, which flies in a J-shaped trajectory, lighting on the upswing.[5]
Males of Photinus pyralis locate females by a series of light flashes, to which females respond with a coded delay flash. The Photuris female may also lure a Photinus pyralis to be eaten to obtain spider-repellent steroids which Cornell researchers named "lucibufagins" in 1997.[6]
References
- ^ "Photinus pyralis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=722476.
- ^ [1] Animal Pictures Archive
- ^ [2] Firefly Companion and Letter Winter 1993-1994
- ^ [3] State Symbols USA: Tennessee State Insect
- ^ Maloney, Brenna; Smallwood, James (July 10, 2009). "How These Beetles Create Light". Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2009/07/11/GR2009071103099.html?sid=ST2009071103102. Retrieved 2009-07-19.
- ^ By firefly light, Cornell biologists reveal mimicry and murder in the night
External links
- Bugguide with details of Photinus pyralis
Categories:- Lampyridae
- Bioluminescent organisms
- Animals described in 1767
- Beetles of North America
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