Taxonomy and behaviour of lucioline fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae) with redefinition and new species of Pygoluciola Wittmer from mainland China and review of Luciola LaPorte

Abstract

Subfamily classification within the Lampyridae, and generic categories in the Luciolinae are reviewed, as are the difficulties that often exist with accurate species determinations because of inadequate definition of the genus Luciola LaPorte. A key to genera of the Luciolinae reflects current phylogenetic trends and includes the first morphological details of Luciola (Photuroluciola) (Pic). An expanded generic definition of Pygoluciola Wittmer includes an extension of its geographic range. Pygoluciola qingyu sp. nov. is described including morphology of males, females (bursa structure) and larvae, and the first record of synchronous flashing from mainland China. Behaviour including predacious activity by larvae on large mandibulate ants, in an apparently hazardous frontal attack, the semiaquatic mode of life and luminous activity including synchronous flashing is described and discussed. A lectotype male of Luciola cerata Olivier is designated and described.

Molecular Systematics of the Firefly Genus Luciola (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae) with the Description of a New Species from Singapore

“…was further corroborated by molecular phylogenetic analyses [ 15 ]. Meanwhile, Photuroluciola and Pygoluciola were removed from the subgenus Luciola sensu McDermott and elevated to the genus rank [ 12 , 13 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], while Luciola parvula Kiesenwetter, the type species of the subgenus Hotaria sensu McDermott was transferred to Luciola s. str. [ 3 , 15 ].…”

Reproductive Systems, Transfer and Digestion of Spermatophores in Two Asian Luciolinae Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

“…As fresh material became available and interest in firefly anatomy increased, the internal reproductive system was investigated [ 5 , 9 , 10 , 14 , 15 , 26 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ].…”

The genetic variations in the mitochondrial genomes of three Luciolinae fireflies

“…They described the morphology of its males, females (bursa structure) and larvae. In addition, P. qingyu is the first recorded synchronously flashing firefly from mainland China (Fu and Ballantyne 2008 ). Abscondita terminalis was found by Olivier in 1883.…”