The Dark Side of the Light Show: Predators of Fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains

Abstract

In the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, the Light Show is a popular seasonal attraction created by thousands of courting malePhotinus carolinusfireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) that flash in synchrony to locate females. This study was undertaken to provide a temporal snapshot of whether invertebrate predators are active within these dense and conspicuous firefly breeding aggregations. In addition, we examined whether femalePhoturisfireflies, which are specialist predators on other fireflies, show any feeding preferences within the diverse local firefly fauna. A field survey revealed a surprisingly diverse suite of generalist insectivores feeding on fireflies withinP. carolinusbreeding aggregations. In addition, laboratory studies revealed major differences in prey consumption rates whenPhoturispredators were given access to several lampyrid taxa. This suite of generalist and specialist predators appears to create a complex selective landscape that is predicted to be a powerful force shaping the evolution of firefly defenses.

Insect community in riparian zones of Sungai Sepetang, Sungai Rembau and Sungai Chukai of Peninsular Malaysia

“…It is also important to note that Reduviidae might take firefly species as a prey. A species of the assassin bug, Zelus luridus has been observed to feed on firefly species, Photinus carolinus (Lewis et al 2012). This ecological relationship should be highlighted in the process of firefly conservation.…”

Flash signal evolution inPhotinusfireflies: Character displacement and signal exploitation in a visual communication system

“…Visual signals such as bright plumage are thought to be especially susceptible to detection by predators (Alcock ), but exploitation of visual signaling systems has rarely been demonstrated, probably because most visual signals are produced continuously and are, therefore, hard to study (Zuk and Kolluru ). Several taxa of Photuris fireflies prey on a wide range of Photinus taxa (Lloyd ; Lewis et al ), presumably to obtain and sequester chemical defense compounds (Eisner et al ). Predation occurs in the form of aerial attacks (hawking) during flight by unintended receivers of male signals, or aggressive mimicry of female response signals by unintended senders ( Photuris “femmes fatales”: Lloyd , ; Lloyd and Wing ).…”

Acquisition of bioluminescent trait by non-luminous organisms from luminous organisms through various origins

“…A few observations have recorded the occurrence of temporary luminescence from non-luminous organisms due to feeding on luminous organisms. Certain amphibians, lizards, spiders, ants, birds, and mammals are reported to be the predators of fireflies [107]. These predators are attracted to firefly light, prey on them, as a result, flashes of temporary luminescence are observed in predators with soft-bodied tissues.…”