Lampyridae is a family of soft-bodied beetles in the order Coleoptera, commonly known as fireflies, lightning bugs or glowworms, comprising more than 2,400 described species. Most are light-emitting, using bioluminescence mainly at twilight to attract mates; this ability is thought to have originated as a larval warning signal before being adapted for mate signaling, and females of the genus Photuris mimic the flash pattern of Photinus beetles to lure and prey on their males. Fireflies live in temperate and tropical climates, often in marshes or wet wooded areas that provide abundant food for their larvae, and while all firefly larvae glow, only some species retain light production as adults.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Member Count Band Era First Appeared Classification
Living or Extinct Sources
1. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ25420, descriptionView the Source 2. Firefly (Wikipedia)
Introduction
The Lampyridae are a family of elateroid beetles with more than 2,400 described species, many of which are light-emitting.
- Taxonomic rank (structure-wave classification, ruling 761/926)
In Group: Other Beetle Families (Polyphaga), Lead
The Lampyridae are a family of elateroid beetles with more than 2,400 described species, many of which are light-emitting.
View the Source3. Catalogue of Life (ChecklistBank): Taxon metrics for Lampyridae
Catalogue of Life (ChecklistBank)Taxon metrics, speciesExtantCountQuote, Taxon metrics, speciesExtantCount
"speciesExtantCount": 2584
4. Paleobiology Database: Taxon record for Lampyridae
Paleobiology DatabaseTaxon record, first appearance (firstapp_max_ma, early_interval)Quote, Taxon record, first appearance (firstapp_max_ma, early_interval)
"taxon_name": "Lampyridae" ... "firstapp_max_ma": 100.5 ... "early_interval": "Cenomanian"
Wikidata: Firefly
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