Photuris mysticalampas
Photuris mysticalampas, also called the mysterious lantern firefly, is an endangered synchronous-flashing firefly species described in 2013.[2]
| Photuris mysticalampas | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Lampyridae |
| Genus: | Photuris |
| Species: | P. mysticalampas |
| Binomial name | |
| Photuris mysticalampas Heckscher, 2013 | |
Distribution
It is found in Delaware (in the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge) and also the border between Delaware and Maryland (within a 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) radius from the Nanticoke Wildlife Area and also within the area itself), two states within the United States, and it has not been spotted outside of the Delmarva Peninsula. It was once more widespread across Delaware, but it is now restricted to the south of the state.[1] P. mysticalampas is found in inland wetland environments.
Conservation
The biggest threats causing it to become endangered are pollution, climate change and severe weather changes.[1] According to observations by Heckscher (2020), deep peat with sphagnum hummocks and dense vegetation appears to be an important habitat feature for the species, and larvae may be restricted to those areas.
Behaviour and description
Adults can be seen emerging from sphagnum hummocks at dusk. It flies from mid-June into late-July and it can reach lengths of up to 9 centimetres (3.5 in) long when fully grown.
References
- Heckscher, Christopher; Fallon, Candace (2020-12-02). "Photuris mysticalampas". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T164045835A166771508.en. S2CID 242691129. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
- Heckscher, Christopher M. (2013). "Photuris Mysticalampas (Coleoptera: Lampyridae): A New Firefly from Peatland Floodplain Forests of the Delmarva Peninsula". Entomological News. 123 (2): 93–100. doi:10.3157/021.123.0202. ISSN 0013-872X. S2CID 56168020.