Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada

Species Phosphaenus hemipterus - Lesser Glowworm

Phosphaenus hemipterus - male Phosphaenus hemipterus - female Phosphaenus hemipterus - female Phosphaenus hemipterus
Classification
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)
Class Insecta (Insects)
Order Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder Polyphaga
No Taxon (Series Elateriformia)
Superfamily Elateroidea
Family Lampyridae (Fireflies)
Subfamily Lampyrinae
Tribe Lucidotini
Genus Phosphaenus
Species hemipterus (Lesser Glowworm)
Explanation of Names
Phosphaenus hemipterus (Goeze 1777)
Identification
the only known lampyrid with both sexes flightless; adults are diurnal(1)
Range
native to Europe (widespread there), adventive in NA (e. Canada, NS-ON)(1)
Habitat
partially disturbed anthropogenic sites with lawn areas, mixed patches of shrubs, hedgerows, some trees, hardened paths, spots of bare earth and proximity to concrete/rock walls and/or paved areas(1)
Food
larvae feed on earthworms; adults do not feed(1)
Remarks
earliest record in our area: NS 1947; the only lampyrid to have been introduced to NA; dispersal abilities of the beetle are limited, so different location where it is established imply separate introduction events(1)