Photuris mysticalampas
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Coleoptera
Family:	Lampyridae
Genus:	Photuris
Species:	P. mysticalampas
Binomial name
Photuris mysticalampas Heckscher, 2013

Photuris mysticalampas, also called the mysterious lantern firefly, is an endangered synchronous-flashing firefly species described in 2013.^[2]

Distribution

It is found in Delaware (in the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge) and also the border between Delaware and Maryland (within a 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) radius from the Nanticoke Wildlife Area and also within the area itself), two states within the United States, and it has not been spotted outside of the Delmarva Peninsula. It was once more widespread across Delaware, but it is now restricted to the south of the state.^[1] P. mysticalampas is found in inland wetland environments.

Conservation

The biggest threats causing it to become endangered are pollution, climate change and severe weather changes.^[1] According to observations by Heckscher (2020), deep peat with sphagnum hummocks and dense vegetation appears to be an important habitat feature for the species, and larvae may be restricted to those areas. In 2023, this species was petitioned to be listed as endangered species under the US Endangered Species Act^[3][4]

Behaviour and description

Adults can be seen emerging from sphagnum hummocks at dusk. It flies from mid-June into late-July and it can reach lengths of up to 9 centimetres (3.5 in) long when fully grown.

References