Discovery of the female of Pyrocoelia prolongata in Taiwan (Coleoptera, Lampyridae).

ABSTRACT: The female of Pyrocoelia prolongata Jeng & Lai, a diurnal lampyrid species from Taiwan, is described for the first time. A single individual was found in a small, shady, dry streambed at the edge of a mixed forest at 2700 m elevation. The individual glowed in darkness and would move its abdomen up and down when disturbed and as a deterring behavior. A key to the females of the species of Pyrocoelia Gorham in Taiwan is provided. The morphology of photogenic organs of females and the function of bioluminescence of day-active species of Pyrocoelia are discussed.

SUBMITTER: Jeng ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3192413 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature