The behavioral functions of larval firefly lights have been studied, and several theories have been proposed. 1 Male flash patterns are thought to be affected by sexual selection and females have been shown to prefer certain light signal characteristics. 2 In addition to these behaviors, it is generally assumed that most non-luminous fireflies locate mates through the use of pheromones. The courtship patterns of Japanese fireflies seem to indicate numerous types of communication, which include pheromones as well as light signals. 3 Our analytical study of fireflies was based on the hypothesis that a certain chemical signal mediates a particular interaction between male and female fireflies. This hypothesis can be tested by collecting, analyzing and identifying these compounds. Using our previously reported method, pheromones were adsorbed by direct contact with glass surfaces. 4 We call this method direct contact extraction. Because this technique is nondestructive, it is possible to subject extracted hydrocarbons to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) directly using a solvent. Here, we report on the GC-MS profiles of extracts from three Japanese firefly species (Luciola lateralis, Luciola cruciata, and Lucidina biplagiata) and three North American firefly species (Lucidota atra, Photuris lucicrescens, and Photuris cinctipennis). Several research aspects concerning present analytical methods are discussed: (1) distinguish firefly species using the GC-MS profile as finger prints, (2) the intraspecific differences of fireflies, which could be interpreted as a geographic variation, and (3) chemical-ecological strategy of luminous and non-luminous fireflies. ExperimentalLuciola lateralis were collected in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture and Chino, Nagano prefecture. Luciola cruciata were collected in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture. Lucidina biplagiata were collected in Hayama, Kanagawa prefecture. Lucidota atra, Photuris lucicrescens, and Photuris cinctipennis were collected in Meramec state park Missouri, USA.Glass vials (50 ml) were washed in hexane and dried at 200˚C in an electric oven. Three fireflies were collected; if this was not possible, one or two fireflies were collected and placed into one clean glass vial at the field site. Fireflies were free to crawl inside the glass vials for 2 -3 h during the mating period. After the fireflies were released, 1 ml of dichloromethane was added to the glass vials, which were then shaken several times to collect any remaining compounds from the firefly without further condensation.Extracts (1 µl) were analyzed using a mass spectrometer (MS) (JMS-SX102A; JEOL, Tokyo, Japan) equipped with a gas chromatograph (GC) (HP 5890A; Hewlett Packard, Palt Alto, USA). An HP-5 capillary column (30 m length, 0.32 mm i.d., 0.25 mm film thickness; Hewlett Packard, Palt Alto, USA) was used to separate the products into the volatile components. The initial temperature was 50˚C, the final temperature was 280˚C and a linear temperature program of 20˚C/min was applied. The injector te...
A new genus Nipponoluciola Ballantyne, Kawashima, Jusoh & Suzuki is proposed and described from males, females and larvae for two species of Japanese fireflies (Coleoptera, Lampyridae, Luciolinae) which have aquatic larvae. The famous Genji-botaru, the Genji firefly, formerly Luciola cruciata Motschulsky, 1854, now stands under Nipponoluciola cruciata (Motschulsky) gen. et. comb. nov. It is proposed that the original designation of this species from Java was in error and that the species is only known from Japan. The lesser known Kumejima-botaru, formerly Luciola owadai Satô & Kimura, 1994, now stands under Nipponoluciola owadai (Satô & Kimura) gen. et comb. nov. A neotype for Luciola cruciata is designated. Keys to adult males and larvae of Luciolinae genera with aquatic larvae are given. An overview of the status of the genus Luciola s. str. is given. Supplementary file addresses 1. Mitogenome analyses of the Luciolinae; 2. List of species of Luciola s. str.; 3. List of Japanese Luciolinae; 4. The identity of Luciola lateralis Motschulsky.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.