Glowworm Beetles Have The Most Magnificent Antennas Ever
Glowworm beetles belong to the family of Phengodidae
and are so called because the adult females of this family of insect
can produce light, just like fireflies do. The light comes from paired
photic organs located on each body segment and appears as one glowing
spot on each side of the body. Because these glowing spots along the
body resemble the windows of train cars internally illuminated in the
night, they are often referred to as "railroad-worms." Sometimes these
photic organs manifest into luminous bands between each body segment as
opposed to singular spots.
The adult males do not glow, but their lack of bioluminescence is most certainly made up for in the elaborate segmented antennas that these beetles sport. These fancy antennae are used to detect and follow pheromones produced by the female.
Glowworm beetles occur throughout the New World from extreme southern Canada to Chile.
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Source: Univ of FloridaRetrieved from Web site: Amusing Planet
The adult males do not glow, but their lack of bioluminescence is most certainly made up for in the elaborate segmented antennas that these beetles sport. These fancy antennae are used to detect and follow pheromones produced by the female.
Glowworm beetles occur throughout the New World from extreme southern Canada to Chile.
Photo credit
Photo credit
Photo credit
Photo credit
Photo credit
Photo credit
Photo credit
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Source: Univ of FloridaRetrieved from Web site: Amusing Planet