Occurrence of Aggressive Mimicry in Fireflies
Abstract
Predation by aggressive mimicry in fireflies is known only in females of the Photuris pennsylvanica-versicolor group (it is doubtful that fireflies in the other group of the genus, i.e. P. congener and relatives, are predators as adults). Aggressive mimicry has been observed in 10 species, and circumstantial evidence suggests that such predation probably occurs in all species of the pennsylvanica-versicolor group, though there could be idiosyncratic exceptions. Probably most species prey on 2 or more species: P. versicolor preys on at least 11. Males and larvae of some Photuris spp. may also be aggressive mimics, but evidence is only suggestive.Downloads
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