Photuris elliptica E. Olivier 1886
Creators: name: Souto, Paula M.
name: Rosa, Simone P.
name: de A. Zampaulo, Robson
name: Rivera, Sara C.
name: Pellegrini, Thais G.
name: da Silveira, Luiz F. L.
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Coleoptera
Lampyridae
Photuris
Photuris elliptica

description: Photuris elliptica E. Olivier, 1886
Figs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Comparative diagnosis.
Larva (Figs 2 – 4). Larvae of Photuris elliptica are remarkably different from other known congeneric larvae in its color pattern, with thoracic and abdominal mediotergites ochre with black trapezoidal spots medially, which are sometimes medially split (Figs 2 A – D, 3 A). Other species are brown, reddish brown or black with paler or darker lateral spots (Buschman 1984; Rosa 2007). The chaetotaxy of Photuris elliptica and P. femoralis is similar, differing by the presence of long, stout setae on anterior margin of pronotum in P. elliptica and shape of the longer stouter setae on posterior corners of mediotergite and laterotergite (Fig. 3 A, B), which are stiff and acute in P. elliptica and subfoliaceous (somewhat flat, tip blunt) in P. femoralis. What is more, P. elliptica has one pair of parasagittal stouter, longer setae near midlength of pronotum (Fig. 3 A) and the ventral stout setae of tibia is longer (about 5 times longer than fine setae) (Fig. 3 E), while P. femoralis has two parasagittal pairs of setae near midlength of pronotum and ventral stout setae of tibia about 3 times longer than fine setae (see Rosa 2007).
Adult (Figs 5 – 11). Photuris elliptica is very similar to P. funesta Gorham, 1880, a common species of the tropical Andes in Colombia (Olivier 1886; LS pers. ob.). Both species share a relatively large size (12–13 mm in P. elliptica, ~ 15–20 mm in P. funesta), an overall elongate body and similar color pattern (body dull black, except for the yellow pronotum [with a black spot on the disc in P. funesta]. Photuris elliptica can be readily distinguished from P. funesta by the lack of a black dot at the pronotal disc, obtuse posterior angles of the pronotum (projected and acute in P. funesta), and more elliptical elytron (subparallel in P. funesta).
In the Atlantic Rainforest of southeastern Brazil, P. elliptica is somewhat similar to P. velox Olivier, 1886 — both species are relatively large, have obtuse posterior corners of the pronotum and elliptical elytra (Silveira et al. 2020). However, P. velox has a very different color pattern, with body overall dark brown to black, except for pale yellow pronotal and elytral expansions.
Photuris elliptica also overlaps in distribution with P. femoralis Curtis and P. lugubris Gorham, 1881. Photuris elliptica can be distinguished from P. femoralis by the elliptical elytral outline (lacking outward lateral expansions in P. femoralis) and color pattern (pronotum pale yellow) (Souto et al. 2019; Silveira et al. 2020). Photuris elliptica also has a thinner mandible that evenly tapers throughout (larger and constricted by the basal third in P. femoralis). Photuris elliptica is similar to P. lugubris, with a notched posterior margin of the sternal VII, the central tooth on the labrum much longer than the others, and similar color pattern (pronotum yellow, elytron black). Photuris elliptica can be distinguished from P. lugubris by its yellow pro- and mesocoxae (black in P. lugubris), as well as for the more conspicuous marginal costa (less developed in P. lugubris).
For overall morphological comparison within the genus, P. elliptica shows considerable differences from other Photuris with which they do not co-occur, including P. frontalis LeConte, 1852, P. tenusignathus Zaragoza-Caballero, 1995, and the P. versicolor (Fabricius, 1798) complex (Zaragoza-Caballero 1995). Based on the availability of published material and references therein, members of the P. versicolor group (including P. quadrifulgens (Barber, 1951), P. trivittata Lloyd & Ballantyne, 2003, P. versicolor, and P. walldoxeyi Faust, 2019) are deemed morphologically similar and will be treated as a single group for comparison (Barber 1951; McDermott 1967; Faust and Davis 2019).
Photuris elliptica mandibles are thinner and evenly tapered throughout, compared to the thicker mandibles of P. femoralis and the P. versicolor group which are constricted by the basal third (Fig. 6 A). The antennal sockets are very close, nearly contiguous in P. elliptica instead of separated by half a socket width in other Photuris (Fig. 6 C). The labial palp of P. elliptica is triangular rather than C-shaped in congenerics (Fig. 6 C). The pronotum of P. elliptica is wide (1.5 times wider than long) and has a shorter anterior expansion with a distinct dorsal bend as seen in lateral view (Fig. 7 A, E), while other Photuris feature longer pronota with long, straight anterior expansions. The elytron of P. elliptica are also wider, equally wide in the 1 st and 2 nd thirds, with lateral expansions more pronounced slightly after the humerus (Fig. 7 M – O). This is distinct from P. femoralis, with straight, narrow elytra, and P. versicolor group, with elytra that are slightly convergent throughout. The legs have less prominent trochanters than the other Photuris species illustrated in the literature (Fig. 7 L). The male lantern covers the entire sterna VI and VII, both of which are much longer than sternum V, unusual for Photuris (Fig. 5 C). The median projection of the sternum VIII is remarkably longer (a fifth of sternum greater length) than that of P. femoralis, P. lugubris, and P. versicolor group (a sixth), but narrower than P. frontalis (roughly a fourth) (Fig. 8 B). The posterior margin of the pygidium in P. elliptica is truncate (Fig. 8 A), similar to P. versicolor group, instead of rounded in P. femoralis, P. frontalis, and P. lugubris. The arms of the sternum IX are separated by half the sternum width where it meets the syntergite (Fig. 8 C), while the arms in other Photuris are separated by a fourth of the sternum IX width or less. Similar to P. femoralis and P. tenusignathus, and unlike the other ones mentioned, the aedeagus of P. elliptica is distinct for lacking the basal lobes at the base of the paramere (Fig. 8 H). The tip (apical fifth) of the phallus is also wider (Fig. 8 E), similar to P. frontalis and P. lugubris, rather than constricted in P. femoralis and P. versicolor group.
Due to lack of published data on Photuris females, P. elliptica can only be compared to P. femoralis (Souto et al. 2019) and P. versicolor group (Figs 9 – 11). The mandibles of P. elliptica have smoother inner margins than P. femoralis and P. versicolor group and are much longer than the latter (Fig. 9 A). The median tooth on the labrum is twice as long as the lateral teeth, while P. femoralis has teeth all the same size and P. versicolor group has a median tooth 1.5 times as long as the lateral teeth (Fig. 9 A). The labial palps of P. elliptica are less emarginate (less C-shaped) than those of other Photuris females (Fig. 9 B). Photuris elliptica has a slightly depressed vertex of the head (flat in congenerics) (Fig. 9 D, E) and antennal sockets that are wider than long (round in congenerics) (Fig. 9 C). Photuris elliptica and P. femoralis also share a wider, shorter pronotum compared to the longer P. versicolor group pronotum (Fig. 10 A). The P. elliptica lanterns are similar to P. femoralis, compared with P. versicolor group lanterns which are longer and thinner, especially on sternum VI (Fig. 5 F). The sternum VIII is lightly sclerotized, similar to P. versicolor group, while P. femoralis has a strongly sclerotized sternum VIII (Fig. 11 A). The arms of the ovipositor in P. elliptica are longer than the rest of the ovipositor, resulting in much longer arms than its congenerics (Fig. 11 B). Given that no other photurine species have had their bursal anatomy described before, cross-species comparisons are not possible, but we trust even a simple description would help future comparisons. The bursa copulatrix (Fig. 11 E, F) of P. elliptica has a long and broad spermatophore digesting gland (wider and longer than bursal core), with a basal long and slender pouch, and no distinct bursal sclerites. A spermatheca could not be clearly determined but, if present, it would be very different from other known lampyrid spermathecae (e. g. Fu and Ballantyne 2021; Zeballos et al. 2023).
Holotype examined.
Minas Gerais, Caraça, 1 / II / 1885, male, E. Gounelle col. (MNHN – France, Paris, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle). The holotype, confirmed by MNHN curator A. Mantilleri, has the author’s original identification label, but lacks an original type label.
Material examined (adults).
Brazil – Minas Gerais • 1 ♂; Barão dos Cocais, cave RF _ 0071; 19 ° 55 ' 21.57 " S, 43 ° 30 ' 43.37 " W (WGS 84); alt. 908 m; 24. III. 2014, afótica; Zampaulo R. A. leg.; ISLA without catalog number • 2 ♂; Catas Altas, Vale, Mina Fábrica Nova, cave FN _ 0001; 20 ° 12 ' 26.69 " S, 43 ° 26 ' 18.45 " W (WGS 84); 18. IX. 2020; Eq. Spelayon et al. leg.; ISLA 84748 • 1 ♂; Presidente Olegário, Gruta da Caieira; 18 ° 19 ' 23.99 " S, 46 ° 5 ' 16.00 " W (WGS- 84); 11. X. 2010; without collector; ISLA 3102 • 1 ♂; Arcos / Pains, Agrimg (AGR), 002 _ 001 _ 003; 20 ° 20 ' 21.27 " S, 45 ° 34 ' 36.87 " W (WGS 84); Eq. Spelayon et al. leg.; ISLA 51729 • 1 ♂; Monte Verde; 11. XII. 1969; J. Halik leg., MZUSP 9482 • 1 ♀; same localilty; 27. XI. 1969; J. Halik leg.; MZUSP 9122 – São Paulo state • 2 ♂; Campos do Jordão; 18. XII. 1944; F. Lane leg.; MZUSP without catalog number • 1 ♂; Monte Alegre, Fazenda Santa Maria; 1100 m elev.; 28–30. XII. 1942; Zoppei & Dente leg.; MZUSP without catalog number • 1 ♂; Santo Antônio do Pinhal (Pindamonhangaba, sic), Estação Eugênio Lefevre; 1200 m elev.; 24. I. 1963; Exp. Dep. Zool. leg.; Photuris, Silveira det. 2012; MZUSP without catalog number – Rio de Janeiro state • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Teresópolis, Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, represa do Rio Beija-flor; 14–17. I. 2015; Silveira leg.; DZRJ 3543.
Pupa. Unknown.
First instar to mature larva
(possibly 6 th instar) (Figs 2 – 4). Body dorsal view (from anterior margin of pronotum to posterior margin of abdominal tergite IX) 2.5–14 mm long, about 2 times longer than wide, oblong (pronotum semicircular, widest at metathorax and gradually decreasing in width posteriorly from abdominal segment III, dorsoventrally flattened. Head dark brown, median region in front of frontal suture paler (Fig. 3 C); dorsal surface of body ochre, pronotum medially with a pair of brown elongate spots on anterior half (sometimes almost contiguous), a parasagittal pair of shorter brown spots on posterior margin (sometimes obsolete), mesothoracic, metathoracic and abdominal tergites I – VIII with median trapezoidal brown spot from anterior to posterior margins, about 1 / 3 as wide as tergite (Fig. 3 A, B). Tegument with setae of four types: most surface covered with dense, yellow short decumbent (lying on surface), semi erect and erect setae; edges with few darker stouter and longer setae. (Fig. 3 A, B). Head (Figs 3 C, D, 4 A, B). About 1.5 times longer than wide (length up to nasale), almost entirely retractable into prothorax (only mandibles and antenna visible in dorsal view when head retracted), sides weakly converging posteriorly, posterior margin with wide triangular notch (Figs 3 C, 4 A); laterodorsal surface with long, fine setae, one stemma with convex lens laterally at base of antennifer (Fig. 4 A); antennifer membranous, as long as basal antennomere (Fig. 4 A). Frontal arms V-shaped, well impressed posteriorly, almost reaching ½ length of head (Figs 3 C, 4 A); epicranial stem very short; clypeolabrum fused to frons, each lateral part darkly sclerotized with anterior edge bisinuous, median part translucent, with dark fusiform plate at middle; plate with anterior part fused to head capsule, forming acute tooth; posterior part fused to epipharynx and visible through translucent cuticle (Fig. 3 A, B). Antennae elongate, with three antennomeres, antennomere I partially sclerotized, sparsely setose, cylindrical; antennomere II 1.4–1.7 times longer than I, fully sclerotized, sparsely setose, laterally flattened, apex ventrally with elliptical, flattened sensorium; antennomere III 0.2 × as long as antennomere II, attached dorsally to antennomere II, digitiform, subapically one seta and one dome-like projection, apically three spiniform projections (Fig. 4 C). Epipharynx with cross-shaped sclerite and two triangular striate plates; plates with anterior margin densely covered with fine setae and two orifices at lateral margins; hypopharynx with anterior part bilobed, densely setose; median part triangular darkly sclerotized, glabrous; posterior part elongate, semitubular. Mandibles symmetrical, falcate, with a channel opening near apex at outer edge, lateroventral edge with dense row of fine setae from base to channel opening; ventromesal margin posteriorly to retinaculum with shorter setae; retinaculum well developed, forming a large, acute tooth; mesal membranous extension densely setose (Fig. 4 D). Maxillolabial complex separated from ventral head capsule by narrow membrane; maxillae with cardo as long as wide, 0.25 times as long as stripes; stipites about 2.5 times longer than narrow, with short membranous area on anterior margin, covered with fine setae irregularly distributed, denser laterally, four stouter setae (three laterally, one anteromedially; palpus 4 - segmented, tapering toward apex, with sparse fine setae, palpomere I 1.1–1.2 times wider than long, palpomeres II and III transverse, about 1 / 5–1 / 4 as long as I, palpomere IV conical 3 times longer than III; galea 2 - articulated: basal palpomere triangular, as wide as long; apical palpomere digitiform, 3 times longer than wide, with one stouter long seta apically (as long as palpomere IV) and few shorter setae; lacinia consisting of densely structure connected to dorsomesal stipital edge; labium: prementum covered with fine setae, one stouter setae near each palpus, anterior edge emarginated between palpi, long dark endocarina at midline; palpus two segmented, apical palpomere as long as the basal one, strongly tapered apicad; mentum with anterior 1 / 3 membranous; posterior 2 / 3 sclerotized with pair of long setae posteriorly; submentum and gula membranous (Fig. 4 B). Post-occipital membrane as long as head, with elongate lateral sclerotization wider and contiguous on prothoracic collar. Thorax (Fig. 3 A, B): dorsal surface covered with short decumbent, semierect and erect setae, tip of posterior angle with one stouter, longer setae (about 4–5 times longer than fine setae), one parasagittal pair of longer stout setae on posterior edge, ventral surface evenly weakly sclerotized, except by darkly sclerotized thin strand at base of coxae (Fig. 3 A, B). Pronotum semielliptical 1.6–1.9 times wider than long, posterior margin slightly curved posterad, anterior margin with two pairs anteriorly and one pair anterolaterally of stouter, longer setae (3–5 times longer than fine setae), one pair of parasagittal stouter, longer setae (3 times longer than fine setae) at midlength (Fig. 3 A); prothoracic collar weakly sclerotized, ventrally covered with short setae, two pairs of longer, stouter setae anteriorly (Fig. 3 C, D); prosternum weakly sclerotized, covered with short setae, each anterior corner with one stouter, longer setae (Fig. 3 D). Mesonotum as long as metanotum, both transverse, with anterior and posterior angles almost straight, with transverse pigmented impression parallel to anterior edge (Fig. 3 A); mesonotum 3.0–3.3 times wider than long (Fig. 3 A); metanotum 3.8–4.0 times wider than long (Fig. 3 A); mesepisternum with a functional biforous spiracle on anterior corner. Legs (Fig. 3 E – G): evenly sclerotized, pretarsus darker, with short spiniform setae becoming stiffer and darker from coxa to tarsus, tibia with one longer stouter seta ventrally (about 5 times longer than short setae); pretarsus with one seta on each side at base (Fig. 3 D). Abdomen (Fig. 3 A, B) dorsal surface covered with short decumbent, semierect and erect setae, tip of posterior angle with one stouter, longer setae (about 4–5 times longer than fine setae), one pair of longer stouter setae parasagittally; median tergites transverse, gradually narrowed posterad from segment III; I – VIII with anterior angles rounded, posterior angles acute, and transverse pigmented impression parallel to anterior edge, median tergite IX almost circular (dorsal visible part semicircular), about 0.5 times as long as VIII, margin with one pair of stouter longer seta lateroposteriorlly (Fig. 3 A). Ventral surface evenly sclerotized, covered with light brown, fine, decumbent and semi-erect setae; laterotergites as long as wide, 0.5–0.8 times as wide as median sternites (widened apicad), inner edge overlapping the lateral edge of the median sternite, posterior edge with 6–7 stouter, longer setae (1.5–2.0 times longer than fine semi erect seta), posterior angle with one stouter, long seta (about 5.0 times longer than fine semi-erect setae), spiracles on lateral edge at midlength; whitish spot (photic organ) occupying almost entirely the laterotergite VIII; median sternites I – VIII trapezoidal, posterior edge with several stouter setae, two pairs of setae 3–4 times longer than fine semi-erect setae (one pair parasagittal, one pair lateral); median sternite IX 1.5 times longer than VIII; segment X ventroapical, membranous, except for a darkly sclerotized transverse strand; pygopodia finger-like, with several dense rows of minutely sclerotized hooks (Fig. 3 B).
Material examined (larvae).
Brazil – Minas Gerais • 19 larvae; Mariana, Vale – Mina Fabrica Nova, cave FN _ 0005; 20 ° 13 ' 18.36 " S, 43 ° 26 ' 2.91 " W (WGS 84); 2–3. XII. 2020; Eq. Spelayon et al. leg; ISLA 83940 (6 larvae 12–14 mm length), ISLA 78905, 83917 [antigo] (1 larvae 4 mm length), ISLA 83939 (5 larvae 10–13 mm length), ISLA 83918 (1 larva 2.5 mm length), ISLA 83913 (1 larva cut in half), ISLA 83919 (1 larva 3.0 mm length), ISLA 83915 (1 larva 11 mm length), ISLA 83916 (3 larvae 4–14 mm); • 6 larvae; same data, but cave FN _ 0004; 20 ° 13 ' 18.35 " S, 43 ° 26 ' 2.63 " W (WGS 84); 01. XII. 2020; ISLA 83934 (1 larva 3 mm length), ISLA 83931 (1 larva 3 mm length), ISLA 83938 (2 larvae 12–13 mm), ISLA 83932 (1 larva 8 mm length) • 1 larva; same data, but cave FN _ 0027; 20 ° 13 ' 25.55 " S, 43 ° 26 ' 15.00 " W; 24. IX – 09. X. 2020; ISLA 83956 (12 mm length) • 1 larvae; same data, but cave FN _ 0006; 20 ° 13 ' 7.12 " S, 43 ° 25 ' 49.72 " W (WGS 84); ISLA 83957 (10 mm length) • 6 larvae; same data, but cave FN _ 0025; 20 ° 13 ' 0.57 " S, 43 ° 26 ' 35.61 " W (WGS 84); 24. IX – 30. X. 2020; ISLA 83947 (1 larva 13 mm length), ISLA 83945 (2 larvae 11–12 mm length), ISLA 83903 (1 larva 11 mm length), ISLA 83946 (2 larvae 10–13 mm length) • 6 larvae; same data, but cave FN _ 0003; 20 ° 13 ' 19.20 " S, 43 ° 26 ' 2.76 " W (WGS 84); 03–04. XII. 2020; ISLA 83926 (1 larva 2.5 mm length); ISLA 83924 (5 larvae 10–13 mm length) • 2 larvae; same data, but cave FN _ 0002; 20 ° 13 ' 38.49 " S, 43 ° 25 ' 52.23 " W (WGS 84); 04. XII. 2020; ISLA 83937 (1 larva 4 mm length), ISLA 83935 (1 larva 11 mm length) • 7 larvae; Dores de Guanhães, G. Energia, cave CAV 05; 19 ° 1 ' 32.90 " S, 42 ° 53 ' 27.24 " W (WGS 84); 30. I – 03. II. 2017; Eq. Spelayon et al. leg.; ISLA 52343 (11–13 mm length); • 1 larva; same data, but 29–31. V. 2017; ISLA 52341 (13 mm length); • 2 larvae; same data but CAV 008; Lat. 19,064 0 / Long. 42,927 0; ISLA 52344 (7–9 mm length) • 1 larva; same data, but cave DGN 005; 19 ° 2 ' 25.09 " S, 42 ° 51 ' 54.36 " W (WGS 84); 11–15. XII. 2015; ISLA 45434 (7–10 mm length) • 1 larva; same data but, Energia cave SPT 004; 19 ° 1 ' 42.61 " S; 42 ° 55 ' 27.13 " W (WGS 84); 11–12. XII. 2015; ISLA 45513 (8–10 mm length) • 1 larva; same data, but G. E. - S 2 _ NOVA 004; 18 ° 58 ' 59.54 " S, 42 ° 55 ' 40.10 " W (WGS 84); 5–7. VII. 2016; ISLA 45596 (5 mm length); • 3 larvae; same data but NOVA _ 003; 18 ° 59 ' 28.68 " S, 42 ° 55 ' 57.75 " W (WGS 84); ISLA 45595 (6–12 mm length); • 1 larva; same data, but G. Energia SPT 004; 19 ° 1 ' 42.61 " S, 42 ° 55 ' 27.13 " W (WGS 84); 17–20. VII. 2015; ISLA 45514 (9 mm length); • 1 larva; same data, but G. Energia, cave DGN 005, DGN 005; 19 ° 2 ' 25.09 " S, 42 ° 51 ' 54.36 " W (WGS 84); 19–21. VII. 2015; ISLA 45436 (10 mm length) • 2 larvae; Barão dos Cocais, cave CAV 01; 19 ° 59 ' 53.63 " S, 43 ° 33 ' 56.52 " W (WGS 84); 06. III. 2016; Fábio Bondezan leg; ISLA 47284 (13 mm length); • 1 larva; same data, but cave RF _ 0092; 19 ° 55 ' 51.44 " S, 43 ° 31 ' 47.09 " W (WGS 84); 18. IX. 2014; Eq. Ativo Ambiental leg.; ISLA 471 (12 mm length); • 1 larva; same data, but CAV 11; 20 ° 0 ' 21.44 " S, 43 ° 34 ' 4.08 " W (WGS 84); 7. III. 2016; ISLA 47283 (5 mm length); • 1 larva; São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo, VALE Brucutu, cave BRU _ 0002; 19 ° 53 ' 21.55 " S, 43 ° 26 ' 16.11 " W (WGS 84); 16. V. 2020; Spelayon et al. leg.; ISLA 81940 (7 mm length); • 1 larva; same data, but cave BRU _ 0008; S 19 ° 52 ' 33.74 " S, 43 ° 25 ' 3.11 " W (WGS 84); 19–23. VIII. 2020; ISLA 82162 (11 mm length); • 1 larva; Santana do Riacho, Gruta da Viola; 19 ° 17 ' 44.67 " S, 43 ° 37 ' 0.33 " W (WGS 84); 17. IV. 2017; Proj. MG / Rabelo et al. leg.; ISLA 78921 (12 mm length); • 5 larvae; Coração de Jesus, Gruta Sumitumba; 16 ° 39 ' 47.90 " S, 44 ° 22 ' 8.42 " W (WGS 84); 29. I. 2015; ISLA 78709 (3 larvae 3–5 mm, 2 larvae 13 mm length) • 1 larva; Lima Duarte, Parque Estadual do Ibitipoca, Gruta Manequinho; 21 ° 43 ' 11.64 " S, 43 ° 54 ' 11.16 " W (WGS 84); ISLA 78708 (10 mm length); • 1 larva; Rio Pardo de Minas, Peixe Bravo, cave Lago; 15 ° 59 ' 55.17 " S, 42 ° 44 ' 42.63 " W (WGS 84); ISLA 78904 (13 mm length).
Biology and life cycle.
The larvae of Photuris elliptica were collected only inside caves located in different lithologies, mainly ferruginous rocks (mostly), but also limestone, quartzite, and granite (see above). In general, the larvae are found in aphotic zones, under blocks or on the surface where the floor is formed by fine sediment (sand or clay), places where it is possible to build chambers for their metamorphosis. Regarding food, larvae were observed feeding on guano from insectivorous, carnivorous, and hematophagous bats (Fig. 2). Although immature forms are recurrent in caves, adult forms are rarer, and adults are therefore expected to disperse to surface environments after hatching. Inside the cave, bioluminescence was quite difficult to observe. The larvae emitted a very faint greenish light for only a few seconds and then went for a long time without emitting light. The light from the flashlights and human approach (disturbance) seemed to inhibit the larvae from glowing. There were a few observations of luminescence, just after remaining still and keeping the flashlight off for several minutes.
Many larvae of different sizes were collected, but only mature larvae (those one 12–14 mm length) were reared until adult stages, and, thus, we could not count the exact number of instars. Still, compared with Photuris femoralis, P. elliptica is a little smaller (P. femoralis first instar larva is 2.7 mm, 6 th instar larva 12.2 mm, adults 10.0– 10.6 mm, while P. ellyptica larvae ranged from 2.5–14.0 mm and adults 12.0–13.0 mm length), suggesting that P. elliptica has the same number of larval instars as P. femoralis (usually six, rarely seven instars). Thus, we probably examined all larval instars, being first instar 2.5–3.0 mm length and sixth 13.0–14.0 mm length. What is more, this indicates that at least the entire larval stage occurs inside caves.
Distribution
(Fig. 12). Most of the observations of the species were made in caves (larvae) and surface ecosystems (epigean) located in mountainous areas at altitudes of above 1000 m. However, some occurrences were observed in regions at lower altitudes in the north and center-west regions of Minas Gerais. Furthermore, P. elliptica species can be found in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes, located in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais, Brazil.
description: Published as part of Souto, Paula M., Rosa, Simone P., de A. Zampaulo, Robson, Rivera, Sara C., Pellegrini, Thais G. & da Silveira, Luiz F. L., 2024, Larval and adult morphology of Photuris elliptica Olivier (Coleoptera, Lampyridae) and a Halloweeny case of cave-dwelling firefly larva feeding on bat guano, pp. 71-94 in ZooKeys 1203 on pages 71-94, DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1203.120341