species have different light signals to ensure that

they attract a mate of the correct species, and in

many cases males and females may both produce

light and use it to signal to one another.

In some cases, this mate signaling has been

subverted. For example, females of the genus

Photuris, known as the “femme fatale firefly,”

produce a light signal which resembles that of the

smaller genus Photinus, attracting Photinus males

that are seeking a mate and then eating them.

deforestation, and pesticide use. They are

also at risk from light pollution, where

electric lights at night can drown out the

weaker signals of the females, or attract

the males away from their habitats

above | Dryptelytra calocera

From Ecuador, this species’

antennal scent-detecting flaps

suggest that it uses scent rather

than light to detect a mate.

opposite | Lamprigera The

wingless larviform female of this

Asian species produces a light that

attracts the smaller flying male.

right | Aspisoma physonotum

From South America, this beetle

is at rest camouflaged on a

rainforest leaf. Aspisoma means

“shield body.”

flying males, which do not have a light of their own

but have large eyes to detect females. In more

complex environments, such as forests where

numerous lampyrid species coexist, individual