| DESCRIPTION |
 |
According to Powell & Hogue, 1979, only a few species of Lampyridae are
represented in California, and no species are luminescent as winged adults.
Lampyrids are similar in appearance and biology to the Leatherwing Beetles
(Family
Cantharidae
-
image) except Cantharids have their head
exposed in dorsal view and they lack light-producing organs. Fireflies are
soft-bodied and are frequently partially marked in orange or red. The well
developed, shield-like pronotum conceals the head in dorsal view. The elytra
are parallel-sided and loosely cover the end of the abdomen. The larvae and
the adults of most species are able to produce light. The adults do this
from their terminal abdominal segments. Larvae feed on other insects in the
soil while the adults may sometimes also be predatory. Other light-producing
beetle families include the Glowworms (Family
Phengodidae) and certain
Click Beetles (Family
Elateridae).