Photuris hebes
This record describes Photuris hebes (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
small size (about 11 mm. long) and have relatively long antennae, and pale (sometimes slightly infuscate) labrum, but exhibit considerable variation in the extent of the elytral vitta, which usually passes the middle, although it is sometimes evanescent, or may be broader and attain the apical fourth of elytra. Type Locality: Black pond (Potomac River, 2 miles below Great Falls); Washington, DC
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
females found in numbers in bushes and grass
Geographic Range
se US (MD-VA) , e. TX (BG data)
Seasonal Activity
May-Aug ,(BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
flying males emitted short, sharp, yellow flashes at about 1 second intervals, in strong contrast with the much brighter, greenish flashes of another species occupying adjacent trees. At one location the impression of the yellowish character of the light was very strong, while in the type locality the impression of contrast was less marked.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Photuris hebes Barber, 1951
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Photuris hebes. 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 hebes (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Photuris hebes
What is Photuris hebes?
Photuris hebes is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Photuris hebes?
~11 mm
How do you identify Photuris hebes?
small size (about 11 mm. long) and have relatively long antennae, and pale (sometimes slightly infuscate) labrum, but exhibit considerable variation in the extent of the elytral vitta, which usually passes the middle, although it is sometimes evanescent, or may be broader and attain the apical fourth of elytra.
Where is Photuris hebes found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | females found in numbers in bushes and grass |
| Range | se US (MD-VA) , e. TX (BG data) |
When is Photuris hebes active?
Photuris hebes: seasonal activity - May-Aug ,(BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Photuris hebes?
flying males emitted short, sharp, yellow flashes at about 1 second intervals, in strong contrast with the much brighter, greenish flashes of another species occupying adjacent trees. At one location the impression of the yellowish character of the light was very strong, while in the type locality the impression of contrast was less marked.