Photuris pennsylvanica

Information about the Pennsylvania Firefly:

The Pennsylvania Firefly - also called the lightning bug and glowworm (in it's larval stage) is native to open fields, forests and pastures in the eastern part of North America. It is not a fly, but rather a member of the order Coleoptera, which are beetles. They are about 3/4 of an inch long (2 centimeters) They are naturally known for their use of bioluminescence, which it uses in both the larval stage and as an adult for dual purposes - to attract mates and also prey. The Pennsylvania Firefly feeds on a variety of invertebrates - such as other insects, flies and even land snails. Across North America there have been reports of declining numbers of fireflies in areas they were once very common. Overuse of harsh pesticides and herbicides along with the habitat loss required by larval life stages (especially in suburban and rural areas) coupled with the massive drought are all likely factors in the decline of the firefly. The poster is printed on matte, museum-quality paper with Giclée printing quality: • Paper thickness: 10.3 mil • Paper weight: 5.6 oz/y² (192 g/m²) • Opacity: 94% Buy a Digital Download