The fire beetles belong to the family of click beetles. They are bioluminescent species known for their capability to generate light, similar to fireflies.
Size: 0.79-1.57 in (2-4 cm)
Color: They are a brownish color.
Other Characteristic Features: They are bioluminescent, emitting light from two spots on their protonum as well as another on their ventral abdomen. Unlike fireflies, they do not flash their naturally generated light but can raise the brightness if needed.
The larvae are also luminous, emitting light to attract prey and discourage predators.
Pupation can take place several years after the larva hatch.
Even the eggs are luminous. After mating, the females lay them on or under the soil.
| Lifespan | 4-5 months |
| Distribution | Parts of the Americas such as Brazil, Cuba, Florida, Puerto Rico, and Texas |
| Habitat | Subtropical, temperate and tropical forests |
| Predators | Bats, ground beetles, insectivorous birds, lizards, moles, shrews, spiders, and toads |
| Seasons active | Summer |
| Hosts | Various plant material |
| Diet of adults | Pollen, insects like aphids or scale insects |
The beetles cause no identifiable damage.
The fire beetles belong to the family of click beetles. They are bioluminescent species known for their capability to generate light, similar to fireflies.
Size: 0.79-1.57 in (2-4 cm)
Color: They are a brownish color.
Other Characteristic Features: They are bioluminescent, emitting light from two spots on their protonum as well as another on their ventral abdomen. Unlike fireflies, they do not flash their naturally generated light but can raise the brightness if needed.
The larvae are also luminous, emitting light to attract prey and discourage predators.
Pupation can take place several years after the larva hatch.
Even the eggs are luminous. After mating, the females lay them on or under the soil.
| Lifespan | 4-5 months |
| Distribution | Parts of the Americas such as Brazil, Cuba, Florida, Puerto Rico, and Texas |
| Habitat | Subtropical, temperate and tropical forests |
| Predators | Bats, ground beetles, insectivorous birds, lizards, moles, shrews, spiders, and toads |
| Seasons active | Summer |
| Hosts | Various plant material |
| Diet of adults | Pollen, insects like aphids or scale insects |
The beetles cause no identifiable damage.
