Larval and adult morphology of Photuris elliptica Olivier (Coleoptera, Lampyridae) and a Halloweeny case of cave-dwelling firefly larva feeding on bat guano

By

Souto, Paula
Policena Rosa, Simone
Zampaulo, Robson De A.
Rivera, Sara C.
Pellegrini, Thais Giovannini
Lima da Silveira, Luiz Felipe

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2024

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

1203

Pages

71--94

Subjects

Bicellonycha , Cave fauna , coprophagy , Photurinae , predatory fireflies

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1203.120341

 

Abstract

The predatory fireflyPhoturis ellipticais common throughout the Atlantic Forest and has been proposed as a biomonitor due to the species’ narrow niche and elevational range. However, the species is only known from adults, and a more effective monitoring of its populations hinges on the lack of knowledge on their immature stages. Recent sampling in ferruginous caves and inserted in other lithologies, on sites in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, have led to the capture of firefly larvae later reared to adults in the lab. Firefly larvae have been reported in South American caves before; however, they have only been identified to family due to the adult-biased taxonomy of Lampyridae. Here, we provide an updated diagnosis ofPhoturis elliptica, describe its immature stages for the first time, and update the distribution of the species. The larvae ofPhoturis ellipticawere observed to interact with guano of several bat species, including that of vampire bats. These observations are consistent with the less specialized feeding preferences of photurine larvae, unlike most other firefly taxa, which specialize in gastropods and earthworms. It is yet unclear whetherP. ellipticaare cave specialists. However, since its occurrence outside caves remains unknown, protecting cave environments must be considered in conservation strategies for this important biomonitor species.