Photinus pyralis, commonly known as the common eastern firefly or big dipper firefly and sometimes simply called a lightning bug, is a species of flying beetle and the most common firefly species in North America, typically found east of the Rocky Mountains. An organ on its abdomen produces its light, most noticeable around twilight in spring and summer, and males fly a characteristic J-shaped path, lighting on the upswing, while flashing to attract females perched on vegetation; the flashes are triggered by light-activated proteins rather than the rhythmic nerve impulses once assumed.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) Living or ExtinctDerived from this species' own Conservation Status: this atlas's IUCN category list has no Extinct value, so a set conservation-status is itself evidence of living status. Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceThe common eastern firefly is a small, soft bodied beetle 9-19 mm long, with a flat black or brown body and wing coverings (elytra) bordered in yellow. 1 Comparison
NatureServe Rank CITES Appendix Scientific NamePhotinus pyralis (Linnaeus, 1767) 1 Conservation Status Connections
Child Taxon Of
In Biome
Source Wikipedia: Photinus pyralis
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Photinus pyralis
Introduction
Photinus pyralis, also known by the common names the common eastern firefly or big dipper firefly, and sometimes called a "lightning bug", is a species of flying beetle.
Infobox: status
LC
Description section
Common Eastern fireflies are small soft-bodied beetles that are 9-19 mm (0.4-0.7 in) long. They have flat black or brown bodies with wing coverings, or elytra, that extend the length of their entire thorax and abdomen. The elytra have a yellow border.
- flying beetle found in North America vegetation
In Biome: Desert, Habitat
Some natural habitats of these fireflies include meadows, fields, wetlands, desert canyons, and dense forests, and while they can successfully thrive in all of these areas, they require moisture to survive at all life stages.
In Biome: Wetlands, Habitat
Some natural habitats of these fireflies include meadows, fields, wetlands, desert canyons, and dense forests, and while they can successfully thrive in all of these areas, they require moisture to survive at all life stages.
View the Source2. Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Photinus pyralis
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyPrimary Diet, Photinus pyralis
Primary Diet carnivore carnivore
Conservation Status: CITES
CITES No special status
View the Source 3. NatureServe Explorer: Photinus pyralis
NatureServe ExplorerGlobal rank (roundedGRank)Quote, Global rank (roundedGRank)
"roundedGRank": "G5"
Wikidata: Common Eastern Firefly
Wikidata Q137821, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source Catalogue of Life
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of LifeChild Taxon Of: ColeopteraView the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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