Photuris divisa
This record describes Photuris divisa (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the most atypical or unusual of the North American Photuris pronotal disc with a large dark spot on both sides, third joint of the antennae is longer than the 2d. Det. Joe Cicero, 2022 Type Locality: Missouri Territory
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lampyridae (Fireflies)
- Subfamily
- Photurinae
- Genus
- Photuris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
common in the tall grass prairie of the Flint Hills of KS
Geographic Range
ec. Great Plains (se.NE-e.OK-w.MO) - Map , plus one record from ec.IL
Seasonal Activity
May-Sept (mostly May-June)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
flies just over the tall prairie grass. The male advertising flash pattern is two snappy yellowish or greenish flashes, (ca. half sec apart) repeated every 4 sec. (Fig. 6) (single flashes found in south KS). The female response is 1-6 short flashes (0.1 sec) at 0.5 sec intervals starting ca. 1.5 sec after the male flash
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Photuris divisa LeConte 1852
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Photuris divisa. 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 Photuris divisa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Photuris divisa
What is Photuris divisa?
Photuris divisa is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Photuris divisa?
10-14 mm
How do you identify Photuris divisa?
the most atypical or unusual of the North American Photuris pronotal disc with a large dark spot on both sides, third joint of the antennae is longer than the 2d. Det. Joe Cicero, 2022
Where is Photuris divisa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | common in the tall grass prairie of the Flint Hills of KS |
| Range | ec. Great Plains (se.NE-e.OK-w.MO) - Map , plus one record from ec.IL |
When is Photuris divisa active?
Photuris divisa: seasonal activity - May-Sept (mostly May-June).
What is the life cycle of a Photuris divisa?
flies just over the tall prairie grass. The male advertising flash pattern is two snappy yellowish or greenish flashes, (ca. half sec apart) repeated every 4 sec. (Fig. 6) (single flashes found in south KS). The female response is 1-6 short flashes (0.1 sec) at 0.5 sec intervals starting ca. 1.5 sec after the male flash