| DESCRIPTION |
 |
Larvae and females are found in leaf litter, under logs, beneath
bark and other objects on the ground; larvae feed on soft-bodied insects
and other small organisms; may reach 65 mm.
Males: antennae long, plumose; 12-segmented; mandibles: long, slender, prominent;
elytra: short, exposing flying wings; tarsi: 5-5-5; body length: 4.5-20 mm;
females: larviform - resembling larvae (except, larvae have simple eyes)
Similar taxa include: Rhipiphoridae (Wedge-shaped Beetles) end of abdomen
blunt and Pyrochroidae (Fire-colored Beetles) which have 5-5-4 tarsal formula)
Like fireflies (Family
Lampyridae),
Phengodids are luminescent. They can be seen easily at night.