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Insects and other arthropods

Fireflies

English
Firefly (Photinus corruscus)
Photo: iNaturalist / Raphael Forns / Certains droits réservés (CC BY-NC)
Firefly on a leaf
  • Firefly on a leaf
  • Firefly on a leaf

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Description

Fireflies are flying insects best known for their ability to produce light at the tip of the abdomen. These beetles are usually 4 to 18 mm long, with females often larger than males.

Despite their name, these insects are actually beetles. Like other beetles, they have hardened forewings called elytra that protect the body. In most fireflies, the elytra are brown to black and often marked with yellow or orange.

Beneath the elytra is a second pair of wings, thin and membranous, that allows the insect to fly. In several firefly species, females have no wings at all, or only very short wings.

To date, more than 2,600 species have been identified worldwide. Around 20 species are found in Quebec.

Life cycle

Life cycles vary among fireflies, but the example below applies to species found in Quebec. After mating, the female lays her eggs in a moist place and dies soon after. The male also dies once the mating period is over. The eggs hatch about three weeks later.

The larval stage is the longest part of the life cycle and can last 1 to 2 years. During this time, the larva grows rapidly and sheds its cuticle (outer covering) several times. The number of moults varies by species. To complete this stage, the larva settles into a shelter it has dug in the soil. It overwinters in this form.

In spring, it transforms into an immobile pupa. After about twenty days, the insect splits its cuticle and the adult emerges. The firefly remains underground for a few days, then heads out to find a mate. Adults live for 3 to 4 weeks.

Flashing signals to find a mate

Light signals help fireflies find one another. Each species flashes at a different rhythm, which makes it easier for individuals to recognize their own species.

Depending on the species, the male, the female, or both can produce light. More rarely, no flashing occurs at all.

In Quebec, mating often takes place after dark in spring and early summer. In many species, the male flashes while flying and is drawn to the female’s glowing reply from the ground.

Geographic distribution

Fireflies are found around the world, but they are especially common in warmer regions.

French name
Lucioles (mouches à feu, vers luisants, lampyres)
English name
Fireflies (lightningbugs, glowworms)
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Lampyridae