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Lloyd, J.E. 1966. Studies on the flash communication system in Photinus fireflies. Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan 130: 1-95.

Abstract (part):

The purpose of this study is to establish a foundation of general knowledge on firefly mating behavior; such general information should pinpoint species best suited for studies on the role of flash signals in reproductive isolation. The approach is a comparative study of mating behavior in several closely related species. The genus Photinus was selected because of: (1) a relatively large number of species in eastern North America, (2) terrestrial rather than arboreal habits, and (3) apparent simplicity of function of the flashing in adults.

this paper was the product of Lloyd's PhD research at Cornell...