Photuris falli
This record describes Photuris falli (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum entirely pale yellow ( brunnipennis group) Elytra entirely black. Labial margin triangulate. Metasternum concolorous with yellow head and thoracic sternites above and below. Fifth ventral sternite with pale posterior margin, the lutescent area broad at middle, narrower toward but not reaching sides. Apical infuscation of femora gradual and barely noticeable, but knees including base of tibiae, pale. Type Locality: Alpine, Texas; three males, collected by O. C. Poling. Vulnerable Globally (Source: IUCN Red List)
Identification notes
Pronotum entirely pale yellow ( brunnipennis group) ( 3 ) Elytra entirely black. Labial margin triangulate. Metasternum concolorous with yellow head and thoracic sternites above and below. Fifth ventral sternite with pale posterior margin, the lutescent area broad at middle, narrower toward but not reaching sides. Apical infuscation of femora gradual and barely noticeable, but knees including base of tibiae, pale.
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
arid montane
Geographic Range
endemic to the Davis Mtns of w. TX - Map
Seasonal Activity
May-July ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Flash pattern of male not recorded ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Photuris falli Barber 1951
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Photuris falli. 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 falli (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Photuris falli
What is Photuris falli?
Photuris falli is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Photuris falli?
8.4-11.5 mm
How do you identify Photuris falli?
Pronotum entirely pale yellow ( brunnipennis group) ( 3 ) Elytra entirely black. Labial margin triangulate. Metasternum concolorous with yellow head and thoracic sternites above and below. Fifth ventral sternite with pale posterior margin, the lutescent area broad at middle, narrower toward but not reaching sides. Apical infuscation of femora gradual and barely noticeable, but knees including base of tibiae, pale.
Where is Photuris falli found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | arid montane |
| Range | endemic to the Davis Mtns of w. TX - Map |
When is Photuris falli active?
Photuris falli: seasonal activity - May-July ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Photuris falli?
Flash pattern of male not recorded ( 3 )