Photinus tenuicinctus
This record describes Photinus tenuicinctus (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
unique in having the lateral pale border of the elytra confined to the outer edge of the explanate margin. pronotal vitta varies from one-third to three-fifths as wide as the convex disk, and is usually broad at the basal extremity, somewhat as in P. consanguineus . seen in abundance in Devil's Den State Park, Washington Co., AR
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
abundant in forests and over shaded lawns ( 3 )
Geographic Range
endemic to sw Ozark Mtns (ne OK-nw AK) , Arkansas River seems to be the southern limit of its range.
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Jul
Diet and Behavior
Life History
females brachypterous (flightless) males fly 1-2 m above ground male flash-pattern is a single sharp pulse, but some pulses appear bimodal w/ second mode slightly more intense than the first. mean flash interval at 70dF was 1.7 seconds. females respond to male flashes with single-pulsed flashes with an average delay time of 0.39 seconds at 75dF. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Photinus tenuicinctus Green 1956
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Photinus tenuicinctus. 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 tenuicinctus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Photinus tenuicinctus
What is Photinus tenuicinctus?
Photinus tenuicinctus is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Photinus tenuicinctus?
8.5-11.5 mm
How do you identify Photinus tenuicinctus?
unique in having the lateral pale border of the elytra confined to the outer edge of the explanate margin. pronotal vitta varies from one-third to three-fifths as wide as the convex disk, and is usually broad at the basal extremity, somewhat as in P. consanguineus .
Where is Photinus tenuicinctus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | abundant in forests and over shaded lawns ( 3 ) |
| Range | endemic to sw Ozark Mtns (ne OK-nw AK) , Arkansas River seems to be the southern limit of its range. |
When is Photinus tenuicinctus active?
Photinus tenuicinctus: seasonal activity - Jun-Jul.
What is the life cycle of a Photinus tenuicinctus?
females brachypterous (flightless) males fly 1-2 m above ground male flash-pattern is a single sharp pulse, but some pulses appear bimodal w/ second mode slightly more intense than the first. mean flash interval at 70dF was 1.7 seconds. females respond to male flashes with single-pulsed flashes with an average delay time of 0.39 seconds at 75dF. ( 3 )