Photuris salina
This record describes Photuris salina (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
See Photuris hebes . Small size (9-12 mm long), shorter antennae than in hebes , and labrum is practically black (pale to slightly infuscated in hebes ) and feebly tridentate. Pronotal vitta hourglass-shaped. Elytra variable, light to dark brown. Type Locality: Sherwood Forest (7 miles northwest of Annapolis), MD
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
drier margins of salt marshes
Geographic Range
e US (MD, DE) , NJ (BG data)
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Jul
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Photuris salinus Barber, 1951
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Photuris salina. 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 salina (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen Luk
Frequently Asked Questions About Photuris salina
What is Photuris salina?
Photuris salina is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Photuris salina?
9.0-12.0 mm
How do you identify Photuris salina?
See Photuris hebes . Small size (9-12 mm long), shorter antennae than in hebes , and labrum is practically black (pale to slightly infuscated in hebes ) and feebly tridentate. Pronotal vitta hourglass-shaped. Elytra variable, light to dark brown.
Where is Photuris salina found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | drier margins of salt marshes |
| Range | e US (MD, DE) , NJ (BG data) |
When is Photuris salina active?
Photuris salina: seasonal activity - Jun-Jul.