Photuris: A Lesson on Imposter Insects
Fireflies are hands down one of the most popular bugs on the planet. Rather than inducing fear or squeamishness they incite wonder as they light up the sky. But lurking among them is a devious imposter. While most fireflies light up to attract a mate, Photuris does so to attract their dinner.
Insect Imitation as a Form of Adaptation
In the ever-interesting world of insects there has been a lot of evolution. These critters are really good at surviving and thriving, and one way they do so is with imitation. Insects use a wide variety of means to replicate other things including coloration, sounds and in the case of fireflies, light. It’s a prime example of how insects have adapted to their environments.
Bugs use mimicry for lots of different reasons. One is to camouflage themselves so predators don’t see them, which is the case with the truly amazing Walking Stick. Some, like the Viceroy butterfly, imitate other insects that are poisonous or taste bad so that predators will keep their distance. But Photuris has figured out how to imitate others in a very unique way in order to eat.
How Photuris Imitates Other Fireflies
Fireflies generate light within their bodies using bioluminescence. This is made possible by cells that contain a chemical known as luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase, which allow fireflies to produce light in their bellies. The light is reflected away so that it glows on the outside. Through the use of oxygen the firefly is completely in control of turning the light on or off
But fireflies aren’t going through all of this trouble to impress people. They use the light for a few reasons, including as a way to attract mates. They do so by flashing the light in a pattern that signifies both their species and their sex. When the sun sets these little guys start flashing to advertise that they’re looking for a date.
Tricky little Photuris, a species of female firefly, sat back and studied the flash signals of the females in other firefly species. Photurius has earned the nickname ‘femme fatale lightening bug’ because she mimics the flash signals of the other fireflies in order to lure in unsuspecting males. She lures them in making them think she’s of the same species, then as soon as the googly-eyed male gets close she strikes, killing and eating him. Her favorite meals are Photinus, Pyractomena and Lampyrinae fireflies.
The Photuris gets a dual benefit from eating male Photinus fireflies. They have a defensive chemical that helps Photuris ward off spiders and other predators. It is a harsh yet highly effective survival strategy using imitation.
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Image Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firefly#mediaviewer/File:Photuris_lucicrescens.jpg
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/pest-profiles/photuris-lesson-imposter-insects/