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Insects use their antennae to collect environmental information. While the structural diversity of insect antennae is immediately obvious, the diversity of the minute antennal sensilla that interact with the environmental stimuli and translate them into sensory input, is largely unknown for many insect groups. This includes the beetle family Lampyridae, which includes nocturnal species that use bioluminescent signals during mate search, and diurnal species that rely exclusively on pheromones to identify and locate a potential mate. Relative to their bodysize, diurnal species tend to have larger antennae, and diurnal males have larger antennae than their females. It is generally assumed that antennal size reflects sensilla numbers, but this remains to be tested. We used Scanning Electron Microscopy to document the sensilla diversity of both males and females of three diurnal and four nocturnal firefly species, as well as total sensilla numbers, densities and their distribution along the antenna. We identified 14 sensilla morphotypes across the seven species, including 12 morphotypes that are new for Lampyridae. Based on their putative function we sorted all sensilla into two categories, mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors. Mechanosensilla (3 morphotypes) were the most abundant and conserved sensilla across firefly species, and the distribution of chemosensilla (9 morphotypes) was unexpectedly variable across species. We hypothesized that the differences in mating signals between diurnal and nocturnal fireflies would be reflected in their chemosensilla counts or densities. As predicted, diurnal and nocturnal fireflies did not differ in their mechanosensilla counts or densities, nor did males and females. In contrast, firefly males had significantly more chemosensilla (and higher densities) than females and the interaction term (activity by sex) was also significant: diurnal males had significantly more chemosensilla than nocturnal males, highlighting the importance of pheromones for diurnal species. Based on a series of predictions, we also identified a pheromone sensilla candidate for each species that will facilitate functional testing in future studies.

Fireflies in the genus are renowned for their significance in firefly tourism initiatives. Their occurrence and abundance have been extensively studied to facilitate sustainable utilization and conservation of their populations. As a group of highly charismatic insects, fireflies play an important role in raising awareness and advocating for the conservation of mangrove forests. Previous taxonomic studies on these fireflies have primarily focused on adult while the larvae remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the larval morphology of four species found in Thailand. The characteristics of the larvae were examined under a microscope, and the species were identified by rearing the larvae to adult and comparing the adult males with previously identified male specimens. Additionally, morphometric analysis of the protergites was conducted to support identification efforts. Larval descriptions and an identification key for four species were developed through the comparison of larval morphology, focusing on tergite texture, protergum shape, color patterns, mouthparts, and the holdfast organ (pygopod). Among the species, is uniquely characterized by lacking tubercles on the thoracic tergites and has a holdfast organ composed of more than 10 retractable filaments, clearly distinguishing it from the other three species. Most species have a protergum length much longer than its width, except . An overview description of larvae is provided with supplementary files summarizing the key characteristics of these four larvae. Species-specific traits are evident among the four species, likely reflecting their specific biological and ecological requirements. Olivier, 1909 displays distinct morphological characteristics, including features of the holdfast organ.

Oxygen is an important and often limiting reagent of a firefly’s bioluminescent chemical reaction. Therefore, the development of the tracheal system and its subsequent modification to support the function of firefly light organs are key to understanding this process. We employ micro-CT scanning, 3D rendering, and confocal microscopy to assess the abdominal tracheal system in Photinus pyralis from the external spiracles to the light organ’s internal tracheal brush, a feature named here for the first time. The abdominal spiracles in firefly larvae and pupae are of the biforous type, with a filter apparatus and appear to have an occlusor muscle to restrict airflow. The first abdominal spiracle in the adult firefly is enlarged and bears an occlusor muscle, and abdominal spiracles two through eight are small, with a small atrium and bilobed closing apparatus. Internal tracheal system features, including various branches, trunks, and viscerals, were homologized across life stages. In adults, the sexually dimorphic elaboration and increase in volume associated with tracheal features of luminous segments emphasizes the importance of gas exchange during the bioluminescent process.

Cyclocephaline scarab beetles represent the second largest tribe of the subfamily Dynastinae, and the group includes the most speciose genus of dynastines, Cyclocephala . The period following publication of Sebő Endrődi’s The Dynastinae of the World has seen a huge increase in research interest on cyclocephalines, and much of this research has not been synthesized. The objective of this catalog and bibliography is to compile an exhaustive list of taxa in Cyclocephalini. This paper provides an updated foundation for understanding the taxonomy and classification of 14 genera and over 500 species in the tribe. It discusses the history of cataloging dynastine species, clarifies issues surrounding the neotype designations in Endrődi’s revision of Cyclocephalini, synthesizes all published distribution data for cyclocephaline species, and increases accessibility to the voluminous literature on the group by providing an easily searchable bibliography for each species. We propose the nomen novum Cyclocephalarogerpauli , new replacement name , for C.nigra Dechambre.

Petalacmis Olivier, 1908 is a poorly known genus of firefly endemic to South America and is currently the only member of the subfamily Lampyrinae, tribe Lampyrini known to occur on the continent. Here, we describe a new species, Petalacmis triplehorni sp. nov. from Bolivia and compare it to the two other described species in the genus. A key to Petalacmis species based on male traits, as well as illustrations of morphological features, are given in detail for the first time. We present unique, previously neglected traits of Petalacmis species and compare them to other Lampyrinae.

Anastrepha is the most diverse and economically important genus of Tephritidae in the American tropics and subtropics. The striking morphology of the third instars of Anastrepha caballeroi Norrbom, Anastrepha crebra Stone, Anastrepha haplacantha Norrbom & Korytkowski, Anastrepha korytkowskii Norrbom, Anastrepha nolazcoae Norrbom & Korytkowski, and three newly discovered and as yet formally unnamed species ( Anastrepha sp. Peru-82, Anastrepha sp. nr. protuberans, and Anastrepha sp. Sur-16), and the more typical morphology of Anastrepha aphelocentema Stone, are described using light and scanning electron microscopy. To contribute to a better understanding of the interspecific and intraspecific variation among species in the mucronota species group and facilitate phylogenetic studies, we integrate molecular and morphological techniques to confirm the identity and describe third instars. Larva-adult associations and the identification of described larvae were confirmed using DNA barcodes. We provide diagnostic characters to distinguish larvae among these nine species of the mucronota group and separate them from those of the 29 other Anastrepha species previously described. We introduce the vertical comb-like processes on the oral margin as a novel character, and the unusual character states, including position and shape of the preoral lobe, and dentate or fringed posterior margins of the oral ridges and accessory plates. Our comparative morphology concurs with most previously inferred phylogenetic relationships within the mucronota group.

Photuris mcavoyi sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) is described from coastal freshwater interdunal swale wetlands in Sussex County, Delaware, USA. The species is most easily diagnosed from potential sympatric congeners by the combination of a male flash pattern consisting of 0.5 s bright yellow signal at irregular intervals ( 3.4-4.1 s), body length ([bar.x] = 9.8 mm) and width ([bar.x] = 3.8 mm), pale scutellum of normal proportions (i.e., not reduced), light brown metacoxae, and pronotum vitta lacking flukes. To date, despite recent survey work at former sites occupied by the species, P. mcavoyi has not been confirmed extant since 1998. Surveys for P. mcavoyi should continue in Delaware and Maryland and should include interdunal wetlands in Virginia and New Jersey. The holotype has been deposited at the National Museum of Natural History (USNM), Washington D. C, United States.

Photuris mcavoyi sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) is described from coastal freshwater interdunal swale wetlands in Sussex County, Delaware, USA. The species is most easily diagnosed from potential sympatric congeners by the combination of a male flash pattern consisting of ~0.5 s bright yellow signal at irregular intervals (~3.4–4.1 s), body length (x̅= 9.8 mm) and width (x̅ = 3.8 mm), pale scutellum of normal proportions (i.e., not reduced), light brown metacoxae, and pronotum vitta lacking flukes. To date, despite recent survey work at former sites occupied by the species, P. mcavoyi has not been confirmed extant since 1998. Surveys for P. mcavoyi should continue in Delaware and Maryland and should include interdunal wetlands in Virginia and New Jersey. The holotype has been deposited at the National Museum of Natural History (USNM), Washington D. C., United States. Se describe Photuris mcavoyi sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) en humedales interdunales costeros de agua dulce en el condado de Sussex, Delaware, EE. UU. La especie se diagnostica fácilmente a partir de posibles congéneres simpátricos mediante la combinación de un patrón de destello masculino que consta de un señal amarilla brillante que dura ~0,5 segundos a intervalos irregulares (~3,4–4,1 segundos), la longitud del cuerpo (x̅ = 9,8 mm) y el ancho (x̅ = 3,8 mm), el escutelo pálido de las proporciones normales (no reducido), las metacoxas de color marrón claro, y el pronotum vitta que carece de aletas. Hasta la fecha, a pesar del reciente trabajo de prospección en sitios anteriormente ocupados por esta especie, no se ha confirmado la existencia de P. mcavoyi desde el 1998. Los sondeos para P. mcavoyi deberían continuar en los estados de Delaware y Maryland y deberían incluir los humedales interdunales en Virginia y Nueva Jersey. El holotipo ha sido depositado en el Museo Nacional de Historia Natural (USNM), Washington D. C., Estados Unidos.

Oxygen is an important and often limiting reagent of a firefly's bioluminescent chemical reaction. Therefore, the development of the tracheal system and its subsequent modification to support the function of firefly light organs are key to understanding this process. We employ micro-CT scanning, 3D rendering, and confocal microscopy to assess the abdominal tracheal system in Photinus pyralis from the external spiracles to the light organ's internal tracheal brush, a feature named here for the first time. The abdominal spiracles in firefly larvae and pupae are of the biforous type, with a filter apparatus and appear to have an occlusor muscle to restrict airflow. The first abdominal spiracle in the adult firefly is enlarged and bears an occlusor muscle, and abdominal spiracles two through eight are small, with a small atrium and bilobed closing apparatus. Internal tracheal system features, including various branches, trunks, and viscerals, were homologized across life stages. In adults, the sexually dimorphic elaboration and increase in volume associated with tracheal features of luminous segments emphasizes the importance of gas exchange during the bioluminescent process.

 Petalacmis Olivier, 1908 is a poorly known genus of firefly endemic to South America and is currently the only member of the subfamily Lampyrinae, tribe Lampyrini known to occur on the continent. Here, we describe a new species, Petalacmis triplehorni sp. nov. from Bolivia and compare it to the two other described species in the genus. A key to Petalacmis species based on male traits, as well as illustrations of morphological features, are given in detail for the first time. We present unique, previously neglected traits of Petalacmis species and compare them to other Lampyrinae. Keywords: Firefly, Lampyrini