Lampyridae are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, but are much less common in cool temperate areas. Lampyrid larvae usually occur in mesic environments, where they are found under rocks, in leaf litter, in vegetation bordering streams and ponds and in rotten logs.
All larvae are predacious, feeding on gastropods, earthworms and other soft-bodied invertebrates.
An illustrated synopsis of the principal larval forms of the order Coleoptera. Length less than 3 mm to more than 15 mm. Vestiture consisting of fine hairs or setae only. Ventral surfaces very lightly pigmented. Median epicranial region without longitudinal furrow.