Blue Ghost Firefly
Phausis reticulata
This record describes Phausis reticulata (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of three luminescent species in the genus. According to the description by Fender, males of this all-brown species have large eyes, a short second antennomere (less than half the length of the third), semi-elliptical pronotum (two-thirds as long as wide), and light organs that occupy most of sternites 5-6. The female is larviform, not described in detail until 2008 .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lampyridae (Fireflies)
- Subfamily
- Photurinae
- Genus
- Phausis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
southern Allalachians and piedmont region
Geographic Range
se US (NC-n.FL to TN-AL) - Map , can be seen in abundance in the Appalachian Mountains Less reliable reports exist as far north as PA and sest as AR, OK, and TX
Seasonal Activity
mostly May-June
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Males, unlike most other glowworm fireflies, are luminous Males emit a bright green glow (blue to some people! ); the period of light emission varies between individuals, from a few seconds to a minute or more
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phausis reticulata. 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 Blue Ghost Firefly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen Luk; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Ghost Firefly
What is Blue Ghost Firefly?
Blue Ghost Firefly (Phausis reticulata) is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Blue Ghost Firefly?
5-8.5 mm
How do you identify Blue Ghost Firefly?
One of three luminescent species in the genus. According to the description by Fender, males of this all-brown species have large eyes, a short second antennomere (less than half the length of the third), semi-elliptical pronotum (two-thirds as long as wide), and light organs that occupy most of sternites 5-6. The female is larviform, not described in detail until 2008 .
Where is Blue Ghost Firefly found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | southern Allalachians and piedmont region |
| Range | se US (NC-n.FL to TN-AL) - Map , can be seen in abundance in the Appalachian Mountains Less reliable reports exist as far north as PA and sest as AR, OK, and TX |
When is Blue Ghost Firefly active?
Blue Ghost Firefly: seasonal activity - mostly May-June.
What is the life cycle of a Blue Ghost Firefly?
Males, unlike most other glowworm fireflies, are luminous Males emit a bright green glow (blue to some people! ); the period of light emission varies between individuals, from a few seconds to a minute or more