Photuris versicolor
This record describes Photuris versicolor (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The useful characters of the original description are: large size; black antennae with the articles a little pale at base; black elytra with margin, suture, and a short vitta yellow; black legs with knees yellow. (but note that Barber isn't fully reliable) Of the 19 spp. and varieties covered by Barber's key all but five are in the versicolor group, distinguished by a pronotal marking consisting of a median longitudinal black vitta of varying outline with a red or orange spot on each side of it; the differences in extent and form of the black vitta are of diagnostic value when considered in connection with other groups.
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
Geographic Range
e US
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Flicker of 3-4 (rarely 5-6) rapid flashes, (often seen as a jagged flicker at warm temperatures, but as separate flashes below ca 65° F); flashes with decreasing intensity, but especially or only noticeable on last flash of pattern; repeated at 3-7 sec interval ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: versicolor (L). 'various colors'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Photuris versicolor. 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 versicolor (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by James Bailey
Frequently Asked Questions About Photuris versicolor
What is Photuris versicolor?
Photuris versicolor is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Photuris versicolor?
The useful characters of the original description are: large size; black antennae with the articles a little pale at base; black elytra with margin, suture, and a short vitta yellow; black legs with knees yellow. (but note that Barber isn't fully reliable)
Where is Photuris versicolor found?
Range: e US
What is the life cycle of a Photuris versicolor?
Flicker of 3-4 (rarely 5-6) rapid flashes, (often seen as a jagged flicker at warm temperatures, but as separate flashes below ca 65° F); flashes with decreasing intensity, but especially or only noticeable on last flash of pattern; repeated at 3-7 sec interval ( 4 )