BIOLOGY OF SOME COMMON LAMPYRID^. 



with dark loamy soil, which is usually moist in the depressions 

 along the walks and between the graves. 



The period of emergence for this species, in this locality, 

 extends from June 5 to July 15, depending on weather conditions. 



During the daytime the adults remain in seclusion, usually 

 at the base of moss or grass, although occasionally specimens 

 were found clinging to the underside of leaves of low vegetation. 



Many insects during their adult life eat little or no food, but 

 the adults of this species, especially the females, are very vora- 



FIG. 4. FIG. 5. 



FIG. 4. Photurus pennsylvanica male, ventral view of abdomen. The shaded 

 portion on the sixth and seventh abdominal segments represents the adult light- 

 organ (AO). 



FIG. 5. Photurus pennsylvanica female, ventral view of abdomen. The shaded 

 portion on the sixth and seventh abdominal segments represents the adult light- 

 organ (AO). 



cious in their feeding habits. During the evening, while they 

 are active, they are either found flying, or on the ground, usually 

 about the base of grass, actively in search of food. The females 

 were commonly observed devouring other species of fireflies 

 (Photinus scintillans, Photinus marginellus and Photinus con- 



