Winter Firefly
Ellychnia corrusca
This record describes Ellychnia corrusca (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Winter Firefly (Ellychnia corrusca) is a species in the family Lampyridae, commonly known as fireflies, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Lampyrinae, tribe Lucidotini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Elateroidea. This species belongs to the genus Ellychnia (Diurnal Fireflies). As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 9‒18 mm. It is found in Most commonly seen on tree trunks. Active during overwinters as adult.
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
Most commonly seen on tree trunks
Geographic Range
northern transcontinental & western alpine
Seasonal Activity
overwinters as adult ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ellychnia corrusca (Linnaeus 1767)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ellychnia corrusca. 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 Winter Firefly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Firefly
What is Winter Firefly?
Winter Firefly (Ellychnia corrusca) is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Winter Firefly?
9‒18 mm
Where is Winter Firefly found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Most commonly seen on tree trunks |
| Range | northern transcontinental & western alpine |
When is Winter Firefly active?
Winter Firefly: seasonal activity - overwinters as adult ( 3 ).