The Luciolinae are among the largest subfamilies of fireflies (Lampyridae). They seem to be all "flashing" (as opposed to "continuous-glow") fireflies. They are a diverse lineage, spreading throughout the warm parts of Eurasia into temperate Europe and East Asia and south to the Australian region.
Several tropical species, notably of the genus Pteroptyx, are of local economic importance. Their displays will self-synchronize until the entire local firefly population flashes in the same rhythm, creating a stunning spectacle that is popular with tourists. The most well-known location to witness these displays is on the Selangor River at Kampong Kuantan, Malaysia.
Two Japanese species of Luciola, collectively known as hotaru (蛍), are highly significant in Japanese culture and folklore. They are symbols of the hitodama (人魂 or 人玉), the souls of the newly dead. See also the explanations at the article on the movie Hotaru no Haka ("Grave of the Fireflies") for a discussion of the cultural significance of the hotaru.
Systematics The group has recently been examined using molecular phylogenetics, using fairly comprehensive sampling.
Genera
Abscondita Ballantyne, Lambkin & Fu, 2013 Aquatica Fu, Ballantyne & Lambkin, 2010 Aquilonia Ballantyne, 2009 Asymmetricata Ballantyne, 2009 Atyphella Olliff, 1890 Australoluciola Ballantyne, 2013 Colophotia Motschulsky, 1853 Convexa Ballantyne, 2009 Curtos Motschulsky, 1845 Emarginata Ballantyne, 2019 Emeia Fu, Ballantyne & Lambkin, 2012 Gilvainsula Ballantyne, 2009 Inflata Boontop, 2015 Kuantana Ballantyne, 2019 Lampyroidea Costa, 1875 Lloydiella Ballantyne, 2009 Luciola Laporte, 1833 Magnalata Ballantyne, 2009 Medeopteryx Ballantyne, 2013 Missimia Ballantyne, 2009 Nipponoluciola Ballantyne, 2022 Pacifica Ballantyne, 2013 Photuroluciola Pic, 1931 Pteroptyx Olivier, 1902 Pygatyphella Ballantyne, 1968 Pygoluciola Wittmer, 1939 Pyrophanes Olivier, 1885 Sclerotia Ballantyne, 2016 Serratia Ballantyne, 2019 Triangulara Pimpasalee, 2016 Trisinuata Ballantyne, 2013
References