Photinus pyralis
Species of beetle / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Photinus pyralis, better known by the common name, the common eastern firefly,[3] and colloquially called a "lightning bug",[4] is a species of flying beetle. An organ on this species abdomen is responsible for its light production.[5] It is the most common species of firefly in North America, and is typically found east of the Rocky Mountains. Photinus fireflies are often confused with fireflies of the similar-sounding genus, Photuris, which are also found in North America.
Common eastern firefly | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Coleoptera |
Family: | Lampyridae |
Tribe: | Photinini |
Genus: | Photinus |
Species: | P. pyralis |
Binomial name | |
Photinus pyralis | |
These fireflies are most noticeable around twilight in the spring and summer months, and fly close to the ground, usually around long blades of grass.[6] Due to the characteristic flight of the males, this species is also often called the big dipper firefly; the trajectory appears to follow a J-shape, lighting on the upswing.[3][7] During flight, this J-pattern is used alongside light flashing to attract females, who rest on vegetation instead of flying and signal back to males if interested.[8] The firefly flashes are stimulated by light-activated proteins, not rhythmic impulses as originally thought.