Morphology And Behavior Of Phausis Reticulata(blue Ghost Firefly)

摘要

Phausis reticulata, the Blue Ghost Firefly, is a lampyrid beetle found in the southern Appalachians, observed primarily in May and June. Its luminescence is characterized by a steady glow, in contrast to a species-specific pattern of flashes. It is also characterized by a large degree of sexual dimorphism, with a winged male and paedomorphic, apterous female. Both sexes have light organs. Behavior and habitat of P. reticulata were observed at several locations in. the southern Appalachians from 1997 through 2008, most intensively in 2006 and 2007. Information was also gathered from preserved specimens in insect collections. Female anatomy is reported for the first time, and male anatomy is further clarified.