Photinus immaculatus
This record describes Photinus immaculatus (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pronotum | Pronotum without median dark spot, scutellum and mesonotal areas pale fulvous. Form as in P. marginellus . |
| Pronotum | Pronotum without median dark spot, Scutellum and mesonotal areas fulvous. |
| Elytra | Elytra dark piceous brown, sutural bead distinctly flavate in apical half only, lateral pale border wider, confined to explanate margin, narrowly continuous around apex. Ventral segments 2 to 4 dark piceous, 5 to 9 pale; pygidium dark. |
| Eyes | Eyes large, separated medially above by less than diameter of eye. Disk of pronotum minutely and sparsely punetulate. Epipleurae as in P. marginellus . Ventral segments 6 and 7 large, entirely luminous. Aedeagus as in figure 2, narrowly inflexed edges of tips of lateral lobes piceous, sparsely denticulate. Entomolgists Josef and Dorothy Knull spent many summers collecting insects across the American Southwest. The primary feature in Gillespie Co. is at Enchanted Rock . |
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
Geographic Range
known only from from Gillespie Co. of central TX (VI-23-40, D. J. & J. N. Knull, holotvpe, 1 paratype, 3 females (OSU)).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Photinus immaculatus Green 1956
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Photinus immaculatus. 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 immaculatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Photinus immaculatus
What is Photinus immaculatus?
Photinus immaculatus is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Photinus immaculatus?
6-7.75 mm
How do you identify Photinus immaculatus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pronotum | Pronotum without median dark spot, scutellum and mesonotal areas pale fulvous. Form as in P. marginellus . |
| Pronotum | Pronotum without median dark spot, Scutellum and mesonotal areas fulvous. |
| Elytra | Elytra dark piceous brown, sutural bead distinctly flavate in apical half only, lateral pale border wider, confined to explanate margin, narrowly continuous around apex. Ventral segments 2 to 4 dark piceous, 5 to 9 pale; pygidium dark. |
| Eyes | Eyes large, separated medially above by less than diameter of eye. Disk of pronotum minutely and sparsely punetulate. Epipleurae as in P. marginellus . Ventral segments 6 and 7 large, entirely luminous. Aedeagus as in figure 2, narrowly inflexed edges of tips of lateral lobes piceous, sparsely denticulate. |
Where is Photinus immaculatus found?
Range: known only from from Gillespie Co. of central TX (VI-23-40, D. J. & J. N. Knull, holotvpe, 1 paratype, 3 females (OSU)).