Back فوتينوس بيراليس ARZ Photinus pyralis CEB Photinus pyralis German Photinus pyralis EU Photinus pyralis French Photinus pyralis GL Photinus pyralis Italian Photinus pyralis Dutch Photinus pyralis Russian Photinus pyralis Swedish
| Common eastern firefly | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Suborder: | Polyphaga |
| Infraorder: | Elateriformia |
| Family: | Lampyridae |
| Tribe: | Photinini |
| Genus: | Photinus |
| Species: | P. pyralis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Photinus pyralis | |
Photinus pyralis, also known by the common names the common eastern firefly[3] or big dipper firefly,[4] and sometimes called a "lightning bug",[5] is a species of flying beetle. An organ on its abdomen is responsible for its light production.[6] 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.
These fireflies are most noticeable around twilight in the spring and summer months.[7] The common name, big dipper firefly, is due to the characteristic flight of the males, whose trajectory appears to follow a J-shape, lighting on the upswing.[3][8] During flight, this J-pattern is used alongside light flashing to attract females, who rest on vegetation and signal back to males if interested.[9] The firefly flashes are stimulated by light-activated proteins, not rhythmic impulses as originally thought.
- ^ Walker A (2021). Photinus pyralis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T164046430A166771623 (Report). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T164046430A166771623.en. Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
- ^ "Photinus pyralis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System.
- ^ a b "Animal Pictures Archive". Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved January 12, 2009.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
:3was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Feinstein, Julie (2011). Field Guide to Urban Wildlife. Stackpole Books. ISBN 978-0-8117-0585-1. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
- ^ Roger Segelken Lured and liquidated, gullible male fireflies supply 'femmes fatales' with a lifesaving chemical Archived June 1, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Cornell Chronicle September 1, 1997. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
- ^ Mast, S.O. 1912. Behaviour of fire-flies (Photinus pyralis) with special references to the problem of orientation. 256-272
- ^ Rau, P (1932). "Rhythmic periodicity and synchronous flashing in the firefly, Photinus pyralis, with notes on Photurus pennsylvacicus". Ecological Society of America. 13 (1): 7–11. Bibcode:1932Ecol...13....7R. doi:10.2307/1932487. JSTOR 1932487.
- ^ Maloney, Brenna; Smallwood, James (July 10, 2009). "How These Beetles Create Light". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved July 19, 2009.