Re-description of Luciola nicollieri Bugnion, 1922 (Lampyridae, Luciolinae) in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Luciola nicollieri Bugnion, 1922 is one of the sixteen originally described Luciolinae from Sri Lanka. Specimens of L. nicollieri have been re-discovered in 2022 almost after 100 years of its first description, and their identity was confirmed by comparison with the original description, photos of their type specimen and based on expert's views. Flightless female is associated and described for the first time, males redescribed, with details of external morphology, genitalia pattern, flashing behavior and habitat ecology. After examining the types and the generic features of their genetalia, L. nicollieri is placed herein to the category of Luciola Laporte s. str. transferring from Luciola sensu lato. Also a key to the species of Luciola recorded from Sri Lanka is provided.