Species · GBIF taxon 1162782
Angled Candle Firefly
Pyractomena angulataAlso known as Say's Firefly, Angle-candled Firefly
These early-season fireflies illuminate damp woodlands and wetland margins with a rapid, flickering amber light. Males patrol the lower tree canopy at dusk, emitting quick bursts of flashes to signal females waiting in the underbrush below. Their predatory larvae live in damp soil and rotting wood, helping control populations of snails and slugs before pupating.
NocturnalBioluminescentBeetle
Licensed referenceJacy Lucier / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Larvae eat snails and slugs; adults feed on nectar or do not feed at all.
- family
- Lampyridae
- threats
- Light pollution, habitat destruction, and pesticide use.
- life Span
- 1 to 2 years
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Reduce light pollution: Turn off outdoor lights to help them find mates.
- Scan the canopy: Look higher up in the trees where males prefer to flash.