Photinus cookii
This record describes Photinus cookii (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
diurnal sp. lacking lanterns, thus the small eyes, see Green's description PARATYPE non-luminous , seems to be a very rare sp. Type Locality: Crailhope, Green Co., KY: holotype, 14 paratypes, 19 females, VII-1 to 18-1946, Carl Cook (CAS)
Identification notes
diurnal sp. lacking lanterns, thus the small eyes, see Green's (1956) description ( 4 ) PARATYPE
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lampyridae (Fireflies)
- Subfamily
- Lampyrinae
- Tribe
- Lucidotini
- Genus
- Photinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
large series coll'ed during daytime by sweeping grasses and shrubs along small streams ( 4 )
Geographic Range
scattered e US records (ne.TX-FL-NC-MO) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Photinus cookii Green 1956
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Photinus cookii. 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 Photinus cookii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Photinus cookii
What is Photinus cookii?
Photinus cookii is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Photinus cookii?
5.25-7.75 mm ( 4 )
How do you identify Photinus cookii?
diurnal sp. lacking lanterns, thus the small eyes, see Green's (1956) description ( 4 ) PARATYPE
Where is Photinus cookii found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | large series coll'ed during daytime by sweeping grasses and shrubs along small streams ( 4 ) |
| Range | scattered e US records (ne.TX-FL-NC-MO) - Map |