California Glowworm
Ellychnia californica
This record describes Ellychnia californica (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Sides of median black area of pronotum straight, diverging from apex to base, with a small antebasal lobe extending into roseate area; in the sympatric E. megista , the black area is subparallel to the base, where it slightly widens (no antebasal lobe)[cite:2075434,42]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lampyridae (Fireflies)
- Subfamily
- Lampyrinae
- Tribe
- Lucidotini
- Genus
- Ellychnia (Diurnal Fireflies)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On flowers and grassy vegetation, esp. in moist habitats
Geographic Range
Throughout CA, more common from Sacramento to San Bernardino Mts[cite:2075434,42]
Seasonal Activity
Said to overwinter as adults.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ellychnia californica Motschulsky 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ellychnia californica. 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 California Glowworm (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About California Glowworm
What is California Glowworm?
California Glowworm (Ellychnia californica) is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is California Glowworm?
10.5‒16 mm[cite:2075434]
How do you identify California Glowworm?
Sides of median black area of pronotum straight, diverging from apex to base, with a small antebasal lobe extending into roseate area; in the sympatric E. megista , the black area is subparallel to the base, where it slightly widens (no antebasal lobe)[cite:2075434,42]
Where is California Glowworm found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | On flowers and grassy vegetation, esp. in moist habitats |
| Range | Throughout CA, more common from Sacramento to San Bernardino Mts[cite:2075434,42] |
When is California Glowworm active?
California Glowworm: seasonal activity - Said to overwinter as adults..