Pyrophorus (beetle)
Pyrophorus is a genus of click beetle. They are one of several genera in the tribe Pyrophorini, all of which are bioluminescent. Their bioluminescence is similar to that of another group of beetles, the fireflies, although click beetles do not flash, but remain constantly glowing. They have two luminescent spots at the posterior corners of the pronotum, and another brighter light organ on the most-anterior surface of the ventral abdomen. This light organ is even brighter and can only be seen when in flight. Bioluminescent click beetles are found throughout tropical, subtropical and temperate America. Species from Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and Cuba are now in different genera in the tribe Pyrophorini, such as Deilelater and Ignelater.
Adult Pyrophorus beetles feed on pollen and sometimes small insects, such as aphids or scale insects. Their larvae feed on various plant materials and invertebrates, including the larvae of other beetles. Eggs are luminous and are deposited either on or in the soil. Mature larvae and pupae are also luminous. They grow slowly and pupate after an uncertain period of time, but perhaps several years after hatching.
Pyrophorus nyctophanus larvae live in tunnels in the outer layers of termite mounds on the cerrado of Brazil. During summertime they glow at night, attracting prey in the form of other insects.
List of species
Pyrophorus angustus Blanchard, 1843' Costa, 1972Pyrophorus canaliculatus Eschscholtz, 1829Pyrophorus carinatus Eschscholtz, 1829Pyrophorus clarus Germar, 1841Pyrophorus cucujus Illiger, 1807Pyrophorus dulcifer Costa, 1972Pyrophorus evexus Costa, 1972Pyrophorus expeditus Costa, 1972Pyrophorus foveolatus Germar, 1841Pyrophorus ignigenus Germar, 1841Pyrophorus indistinctus Germar, 1841Pyrophorus indulcatus Costa, 1972Pyrophorus ingens Costa, 1972- '