Southwest Spring Firefly
Bicellonycha wickershamorum
This record describes Bicellonycha wickershamorum (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Note the black elytra with yellow margins and elytral suture. Dark black median pronotal vitta, acute hind pronotal corners, all contrast with Photinus knulli (the only Photinus in that area, having concolorous grey elytra, small pronotal spot and rounded hind corners). (Joe Cicero's comment)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lampyridae (Fireflies)
- Subfamily
- Photurinae
- Genus
- Bicellonycha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
desert wetlands
Geographic Range
AZ ; best place to see this species is Scotia Cyn.; the Canelo Hills Nature Conservancy has a good population, also Mule Shoe of the Galliuros (Joe Cicero's comment)
Seasonal Activity
breeding season lasts from early June to late July, preceding the summer monsoons
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Bicellonycha wickershamorum Cicero 1982
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bicellonycha wickershamorum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Southwest Spring Firefly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen Luk; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest Spring Firefly
What is Southwest Spring Firefly?
Southwest Spring Firefly (Bicellonycha wickershamorum) is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Southwest Spring Firefly?
Note the black elytra with yellow margins and elytral suture. Dark black median pronotal vitta, acute hind pronotal corners, all contrast with Photinus knulli (the only Photinus in that area, having concolorous grey elytra, small pronotal spot and rounded hind corners). (Joe Cicero's comment)
Where is Southwest Spring Firefly found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | desert wetlands |
| Range | AZ ; best place to see this species is Scotia Cyn.; the Canelo Hills Nature Conservancy has a good population, also Mule Shoe of the Galliuros (Joe Cicero's comment) |
When is Southwest Spring Firefly active?
Southwest Spring Firefly: seasonal activity - breeding season lasts from early June to late July, preceding the summer monsoons.