Lesser Glowworm
Phosphaenus hemipterus
This record describes Phosphaenus hemipterus (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the only known lampyrid with both sexes flightless; adults are diurnal earliest record in our area: NS 1947; the only lampyrid to have been introduced to NA; dispersal abilities of the beetle are limited, so different location where it is established imply separate introduction events
Wikipedia reference for Phosphaenus hemipterus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphaenus_hemipterus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lampyridae (Fireflies)
- Subfamily
- Lampyrinae
- Tribe
- Lucidotini
- Genus
- Phosphaenus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
partially disturbed anthropogenic sites with lawn areas, mixed patches of shrubs, hedgerows, some trees, hardened paths, spots of bare earth and proximity to concrete/rock walls and/or paved areas
Geographic Range
native to Europe (widespread there), adventive in NA (e. Canada, NS-ON)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed on earthworms; adults do not feed
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phosphaenus hemipterus (Goeze 1777)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phosphaenus hemipterus. 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 Lesser Glowworm (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Glowworm
What is Lesser Glowworm?
Lesser Glowworm (Phosphaenus hemipterus) is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Lesser Glowworm?
the only known lampyrid with both sexes flightless; adults are diurnal
Where is Lesser Glowworm found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | partially disturbed anthropogenic sites with lawn areas, mixed patches of shrubs, hedgerows, some trees, hardened paths, spots of bare earth and proximity to concrete/rock walls and/or paved areas |
| Range | native to Europe (widespread there), adventive in NA (e. Canada, NS-ON) |
What does Lesser Glowworm eat?
The diet of the Lesser Glowworm includes larvae feed on earthworms; adults do not feed.