Pyractomena lucifera
This record describes Pyractomena lucifera (species). Recorded family: Lampyridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This narrowly elongate species is readily identified by the uniform golden pubescence of the pronotum. Also, the black margins of the pronotum do not reach the posterolateral angles.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Lampyridae (Fireflies)
- Subfamily
- Lampyrinae
- Tribe
- Cratomorphini
- Genus
- Pyractomena
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
fresh water marshes
Geographic Range
e NA
Seasonal Activity
Generally June-August, appears earlier in the southeast (Green 1957).
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae are predators of soft-bodied invertebrates, especially aquatic snails which are captured and pulled out of the water for consumption
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pyractomena lucifera. 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 Pyractomena lucifera (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Stephen Luk
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyractomena lucifera
What is Pyractomena lucifera?
Pyractomena lucifera is a species in the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pyractomena lucifera?
7.5-12 mm
How do you identify Pyractomena lucifera?
This narrowly elongate species is readily identified by the uniform golden pubescence of the pronotum. Also, the black margins of the pronotum do not reach the posterolateral angles.
Where is Pyractomena lucifera found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | fresh water marshes |
| Range | e NA |
What does Pyractomena lucifera eat?
The diet of the Pyractomena lucifera includes Larvae are predators of soft-bodied invertebrates, especially aquatic snails which are captured and pulled out of the water for consumption.
When is Pyractomena lucifera active?
Pyractomena lucifera: seasonal activity - Generally June-August, appears earlier in the southeast (Green 1957)..