biostudies-literatureUnknown9Riley WBThe Western Carolina University Biology Department<h4>Background</h4>Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are commonly recognized by adult traits, such as a soft exoskeleton, lanterns and associated glow and flash patterns, but their larval stage is far less appreciated. However, fireflies spend most of their lives as larvae, and adults of most species rely solely on resources previously obtained. Therefore, studying the immature stages is imperative towards a comprehensive understanding of fireflies. This paper reviews and indicates key gaps in the biology of firefly larvae based on available literature.<h4>Methodology</h4>We reviewed the literature on firefly larvae to identify key issues and important taxonomic, geographic, and subject biases and gaps.<h4>Results</h4>We found 376 papers that included information on firefly larvae. Only 1PeerJe12121https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8459732biostudies-literatureA comprehensive review and call for studies on firefly larvae.PMC8459732Riley WBLima da Silveira LFRosa SPfalseA comprehensive review and call for studies on firefly larvae.<h4>Background</h4>Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are commonly recognized by adult traits, such as a soft exoskeleton, lanterns and associated glow and flash patterns, but their larval stage is far less appreciated. However, fireflies spend most of their lives as larvae, and adults of most species rely solely on resources previously obtained. Therefore, studying the immature stages is imperative towards a comprehensive understanding of fireflies. This paper reviews and indicates key gaps in the biology of firefly larvae based on available literature.<h4>Methodology</h4>We reviewed the literature on firefly larvae to identify key issues and important taxonomic, geographic, and subject biases and gaps.<h4>Results</h4>We found 376 papers that included information on firefly larvae. Only 12021-01-01T00:00:00Z20212026-05-08T12:10:22.054Z2022-02-11T11:50:54.176ZS-EPMC84597323461660910.7717/peerj.12121