''Luciola'' is a

genus Genus (; : genera ) is a taxonomic rank above species and below family (taxonomy), family as used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In bino ...

of flashing

fireflies The Lampyridae are a family of elateroid beetles with more than 2,000 described species, many of which are light-emitting. They are soft-bodied beetles commonly called fireflies, lightning bugs, or glowworms for their conspicuous production ...

in the

family Family (from ) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). It forms the basis for social order. Ideally, families offer predictabili ...

Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, among other countries) and Africa. This genus is traditionally held to extend to Australia, but these

species A species () is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate sexes or mating types can produce fertile offspring, typically by sexual reproduction. It is the basic unit of Taxonomy (biology), ...

do not seem to belong herein (see below for details).

Biological description

Unlike some other fireflies, the females of ''Luciola'' are fully winged.

Ecological Ecology () is the natural science of the relationships among living organisms and their environment. Ecology considers organisms at the individual, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere levels. Ecology overlaps with the closely re ...

ly, the genus is remarkable in that the

larva A larva (; : larvae ) is a distinct juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into their next life stage. Animals with indirect development such as insects, some arachnids, amphibians, or cnidarians typically have a larval phase ...

e of several species are

aquatic Aquatic means relating to water; living in or near water or taking place in water; does not include groundwater, as "aquatic" implies an environment where plants and animals live. Aquatic(s) may also refer to: * Aquatic animal, either vertebrate ...

. The adults of the typical ''Luciola'' are similar to those of '' Atyphella'' which was formerly included in this genus. They can be easily distinguished by the males'

aedeagus An aedeagus ( or aedeagi) is a reproductive organ of male arthropods through which they secrete sperm from the testes during copulation (zoology), copulation with a female. It can be thought of as the insect equivalent of a mammal's penis, th ...

however, which in ''Luciola'' proper has large

lateral Lateral is a geometric term of location which may also refer to: Biology and healthcare * Lateral (anatomy), a term of location meaning "towards the side" * Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle, an intrinsic muscle of the larynx * Lateral release ( ...

lobes that do not taper and have elongated, slender and flattened smaller lobes along their

ventral Standard anatomical terms of location are used to describe unambiguously the anatomy of humans and other animals. The terms, typically derived from Latin or Greek roots, describe something in its standard anatomical position. This position prov ...

margin. The middle lobe of the males' aedeagus is very slim and has a point before the tip. By contrast, the

Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...

n group resembles '' Pyrophanes'' in its lateral lobes of the aedeagus being small and not visible from beneath. But unlike in ''Pyrophanes'', the sheath of the aedeagus lacks paraprocts, and the seventh ventrite of the

abdomen The abdomen (colloquially called the gut, belly, tummy, midriff, tucky, or stomach) is the front part of the torso between the thorax (chest) and pelvis in humans and in other vertebrates. The area occupied by the abdomen is called the abdominal ...

lacks the hairy lobes and points at its hind margin.Fu & Ballantyne (2008) Two Japanese species of ''Luciola'', collectively known as ''hotaru'' (蛍), are significant in

Japanese culture Japanese culture has changed greatly over the millennia, from the country's prehistoric Jōmon period, to its contemporary modern culture, which absorbs influences from Asia and other regions of the world. Since the Jomon period, ancestral ...

and

folklore Folklore is the body of expressive culture shared by a particular group of people, culture or subculture. This includes oral traditions such as Narrative, tales, myths, legends, proverbs, Poetry, poems, jokes, and other oral traditions. This also ...

. They are symbols of the ''

hitodama In Japanese folklore, hitodama ( Japanese ; meaning "human soul") are balls of fire that mainly float in the middle of the night.広辞苑第五版 p.2255 「人魂」 They are said to be "souls of the dead that have separated from their bodies", ...

'' (人魂 or 人玉), the

soul The soul is the purported Mind–body dualism, immaterial aspect or essence of a Outline of life forms, living being. It is typically believed to be Immortality, immortal and to exist apart from the material world. The three main theories that ...

s of the newly-dead. See also the explanations at the article on the movie ''

Hotaru no Haka is a 1988 Japanese animated war film written and directed by Isao Takahata, and produced by Studio Ghibli. It is based on the 1967 semi-autobiographical short story of the same name by Akiyuki Nosaka. Set in the city of Kobe, Japan, it tells ...

'' ("Grave of the Fireflies") for a discussion of the cultural significance of the ''hotaru''.

Systematics

''Luciola'' in the narrow sense appears to be most closely related to a rather basal group of Luciolinae, including '' Bourgeoisia'' and '' Lampyroidea'' and '' Hotaria''. Their relationships are not well resolved and ''Hotaria'' is sometimes merged with ''Luciola''. On the other hand, the genera '' Atyphella'' and '' Pygoluciola'', which for some time were included in ''Luciola'', is now again recognized as distinct. The internal

systematics Systematics is the study of the diversification of living forms, both past and present, and the relationships among living things through time. Relationships are visualized as evolutionary trees (synonyms: phylogenetic trees, phylogenies). Phy ...

of ''Luciola'' are somewhat in need of revision, and it is not certain whether these species are all correctly assigned to this genus. For example, the

n species appear to be separate and not very closely related to the other members of this genus, but rather to '' Colophotia'', '' Pteroptyx'' and '' Pyrophanes''. Whether the

e of these can be recognized by the share soft

terga A ''tergum'' (Latin for "the back"; : ''terga'', associated adjective tergal) is the dorsal ('upper') portion of an arthropod segment other than the head. The anterior edge is called the 'base' and posterior edge is called the 'apex' or 'margin'. ...

lacking paranota, or whether this is a

plesiomorph In phylogenetics, a plesiomorphy ("near form") and symplesiomorphy are synonyms for an ancestral Phenotypic trait, character shared by all members of a clade, which does not distinguish the clade from other clades. Plesiomorphy, symplesiomorph ...

ic trait also present in other Luciolinae, remains to be determined. ''L. deplanata'' might be worthy of separation in a

monotypic In biology, a monotypic taxon is a taxonomic group (taxon) that contains only one immediately subordinate taxon. A monotypic species is one that does not include subspecies or smaller, infraspecific taxa. In the case of genera, the term "unisp ...

genus '' Photuroluciola''. But considering the fact that many species remain essentially unstudied, a 2008 review of the genus concluded that:

"A phylogenetic analysis ..may give indications for subdivisions within ''Luciola''. However, there are elements of the cart and the horse here – which should come first? Break up ''Luciola'' based on narrow analyses, or wait until more analyses are available? It is our contention that those Luciolinae species which do not fit elsewhere should either be described as ''Luciola'' sp. or remain undescribed until such time as phylogenetic analyses indicate a repeatable pattern of subdivisions with ''Luciola''. Any other action would be, in our opinion, premature."

In 2010, ''leii'', ''ficta'', ''hydrophila'' and ''lateralis'' were transferred to the genus '' Aquatica''.

Species

These species belong to the genus ''Luciola'': * '' Luciola affinis'' Ritsema, 1875 (Australia) * '' Luciola amplipennis'' Fairmaire, 1880 (Africa) * '' Luciola angusticollis'' E. Olivier, 1886 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola antennalis ''Luciola antennalis'', is a species of firefly beetle found in Sri Lanka. Dorsal surface yellow with 4 to 7 depressed antennal segments. References Lampyridae Insects of Sri Lanka Beetles described in 1905 {{Lampyridae-stub ...

'' Bourgeois, 1905 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola antica ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Boisduval, 1835 (Oceania) * '' Luciola antipodum'' Bourgeois, 1884 (Australia) * ''

Luciola apicalis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' (Eschscholtz, 1822) (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola aquilaclara ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Ballantyne, 2013 (Australia) * ''

Luciola atriceps ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1916 (Africa) * ''

Luciola atrimembris ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1933 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola atripes ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1929 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola atritarsis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1916 (Africa) * '' Luciola atriventris'' Pic, 1925 (Africa) * '' Luciola aurantiaca'' Pic, 1927 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola auritula'' E. Olivier, 1910 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola basipennis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1958 (Africa) * ''

Luciola bicoloriceps ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1924 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola bimaculata ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Klug, 1855 (Africa) * ''

Luciola bimaculicollis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' (Boheman, 1851) (Africa) * ''

Luciola binhana ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1927 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola binotata ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1951 (Africa) * ''

Luciola biscutellata ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Fairmaire, 1896 (Africa) * ''

Luciola bomansi ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1956 (Africa) * '' Luciola bourgeoisi'' E. Olivier, 1895 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola burgeoni ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing firefly, fireflies in the family (biology), family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Eur ...

'' Pic, 1931 (Africa) * ''

Luciola caffra ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' (Boheman, 1851) (Africa) * ''

Luciola candezei ''Luciola candezei'', is a species of firefly beetle found in Sri Lanka. References Lampyridae Insects of Sri Lanka Beetles described in 1902 {{Lampyridae-stub ...

'' E. Olivier, 1902 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola capensis'' (Fabricius, 1775) (Africa) * '' Luciola carinaticollis'' Pic, 1952 (Africa) * ''

Luciola cavifrons ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Fairmaire, 1900 (Africa) * ''

Luciola chapaensis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1923 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola christyi ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1931 (Africa) * ''

Luciola cincta ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' (Fabricius, 1787) (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola cincticollis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Klug, 1855 (Africa) * '' Luciola cingulata'' E. Olivier, 1885 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola cisteloides ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Klug, 1855 (Africa) * ''

Luciola clara ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1907 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola collarti ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1931 (Africa) * '' Luciola complanata'' Gorham, 1895 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola completelimbata ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1952 (Africa) * '' Luciola concreta'' E. Olivier, 1907 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola congoana'' E. Olivier, 1895 (Africa) * ''

Luciola consobrina ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Hicker, 1942 (Africa) * '' Luciola costulata'' Fairmaire, 1886 (Africa) * ''

Luciola coxalis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1883 (Africa) * '' Luciola cruciata'' Motschulsky, 1854 genji-botaru (大端黑螢) (Europe & Asia) * ''

Luciola curticollis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1927 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola curtithorax'' Pic, 1928 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola davidis'' E. Olivier, 1895 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola delauneyi ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Bourgeois, 1890 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola deleta ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Fairmaire, 1896 (Africa) * '' Luciola deplanata'' Pic, 1929 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola dilatata ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1929 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola dilecta ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1908 (Africa) * '' Luciola discicollis'' Laporte, 1833 (Africa) * ''

Luciola discobrunnescens ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1951 (Africa) * ''

Luciola discoidalis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1931 (Africa) * ''

Luciola dregei ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' (Motschulsky, 1853) (Africa) * ''

Luciola errans ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1902 (Africa) * ''

Luciola exigua ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' (Gyllenhal, 1817) (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola exoleta ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Motschulsky, 1854 (Africa) * ''

Luciola exstincta ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1886 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola extricans ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' (Walker, 1858) (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola falsa ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1907 (Africa) * ''

Luciola fasciiventris ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Fairmaire, 1898 (Africa) * '' Luciola filiformis'' E. Olivier, 1913 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola fissicollis'' Fairmaire, 1891 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola flava'' Pic, 1929 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola flavescens ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' (Boisduval, 1835) (Oceania) * '' Luciola flebilis'' E. Olivier, 1909 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola fukiensis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1955 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola fusca ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' (Motschulsky, 1854) (Africa) * ''

Luciola fuscula ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' (Boheman, 1851) (Africa) * ''

Luciola gaiffei ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Alluaud, 1899 (Africa) * ''

Luciola galactopyga ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Fairmaire, 1884 (Africa) * '' Luciola gaudens'' E. Olivier, 1910 (Africa) * ''

Luciola gemina ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1905 (Africa) * '' Luciola geniculata'' E. Olivier, 1902 (Africa) * '' Luciola ghesquierei'' Pic, 1934 (Africa) * ''

Luciola gigantea ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1916 (Africa) * '' Luciola gigas'' E. Olivier, 1888 (Africa and Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola gowdeyi ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1933 (Africa) * '' Luciola grandjeani'' Pic, 1931 (Africa) * '' Luciola guerini'' Laporte, 1833 (Australia) * '' Luciola hirticeps'' E. Olivier, 1888 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola horni ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Bourgeois, 1905 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola hypocrita ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1888 (Australia and Oceania) * ''

Luciola ibukiyamana ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Nawa, 1921 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola imbellis'' E. Olivier, 1908 (Africa) * ''

Luciola imerinae ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Bourgeois, 1899 (Africa) * ''

Luciola immarginata ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing firefly, fireflies in the family (biology), family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Eur ...

'' Bourgeois, 1890 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola impedita'' E. Olivier, 1902 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola incerta ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' (Boisduval, 1835) (Oceania) * ''

Luciola infuscata ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' (Erichson, 1834) (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola inlateralis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1952 (Africa) * ''

Luciola innotatipennis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1916 (Africa) * ''

Luciola insignis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1883 (Africa) * '' Luciola intermedia'' Fairmaire, 1896 (Africa) * ''

Luciola intricata ''Luciola intricata'', is a species of firefly beetle found in Sri Lanka. Body is about 6.1 mm long. Dorsum yellowish brown with dark tipped elytral apices. Head dingy yellowish brown with a darker brown median line. Labrum brown brownish. An ...

'' (Walker, 1858) (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola italica'' (Linnaeus, 1767) (Europe & Northern Asia) * '' Luciola japonica'' (Thunberg, 1784) (Africa and Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola jeanvoinei ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1927 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola jengai ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Nada, 2019 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola judaica'' E. Olivier, 1884 (Europe & Northern Asia) * '' Luciola kagiana'' Matsumura, 1928 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola kervillei'' E. Olivier, 1909 (Europe & Northern Asia) * '' Luciola klapperichi'' Pic, 1955 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola krugeri ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1905 (Africa) * '' Luciola kuroiwae'' Matsumura, 1918 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola laeta ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Gerstaecker, 1871 (Africa) * ''

Luciola lambkinae ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Keller & Ballantyne, 2021 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola latediscoidalis'' Pic, 1952 (Africa) * '' Luciola latelimbata'' Pic, 1956 (Africa) * '' Luciola laticollis'' Gorham, 1883 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola leroyi'' Pic, 1952 (Africa) * '' Luciola limbalis'' Fairmaire, 1889 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola limbatipennis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1923 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola longula ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1914 (Africa) * ''

Luciola lucernula ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Reiche, 1850 (Africa) * '' Luciola lusitanica'' (Charpentier, 1825) (Europe & Northern Asia) * ''

Luciola maculiscuta ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Fairmaire, 1884 (Africa) * ''

Luciola madagascariensis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' (Guérin-Méneville, 1831) (Africa) * ''

Luciola magambae ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' McDermott, 1963 (Africa) * ''

Luciola maindroni ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1927 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola major ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1952 (Africa) * ''

Luciola mareei ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1952 (Africa) * ''

Luciola mediodivisa ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1952 (Africa) * '' Luciola mediojuncta'' Pic, 1952 (Africa) * ''

Luciola melancholica ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1913 (Australia) * ''

Luciola melanura ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Laporte, 1833 (Africa) * ''

Luciola mendax ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1905 (Africa) * '' Luciola mocquerysi'' E. Olivier, 1902 (Africa) * '' Luciola mongolica'' Motschulsky, 1860 (Europe & Northern Asia) * '' Luciola multicostulata'' Pic, 1927 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola mutata ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1939 (Africa) * '' Luciola niah'' Jusoh, 2019 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola nicolleri ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Bugnion, 1922 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola nigripes ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Gorham, 1903 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola nigritarsis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1927 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola nitidicollis'' Pic, 1916 (Africa) * '' Luciola nitidula'' (Fabricius, 1781) (Africa) * ''

Luciola noctivaga ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1907 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola notaticollis'' Pic, 1914 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola novaki'' Müller, 1946 (Europe & Northern Asia) * '' Luciola obscura'' Pic, 1928 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola obscuripennis'' Klug, 1855 (Africa) * ''

Luciola ochracea ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Gorham, 1895 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola oculofissa ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Ballantyne, 2013 (Australia) * ''

Luciola olivieri ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Bourgeois, 1908 (Africa) * '' Luciola overlaeti'' Pic, 1931 (Africa) * '' Luciola owadai'' Satô & Kimura, 1994 - Kumejima-botaru - (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola pallida ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Kolbe, 1883 (Africa) * ''

Luciola pallidipes ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1928 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola papariensis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Doi, 1932 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola parvula ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Kiesenwetter, 1874 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola pattersoni ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1935 (Africa) * '' Luciola perpetiuscula'' Kolbe, 1887 (Africa) * '' Luciola perspicua'' E. Olivier, 1907 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola picea'' Gorham, 1882 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola pici ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' McDermott, 1966 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola picticollis'' Kiesenwetter, 1874 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola pieli'' Pic, 1939 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola pouilloni ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1931 (Africa) * '' Luciola praestans'' E. Olivier, 1896 (Africa) * ''

Luciola praetermissa ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1909 (Africa) * ''

Luciola pumila ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' (Boheman, 1851) (Africa) * ''

Luciola puncticollis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Laporte, 1833 (Africa) * '' Luciola quadrimaculata'' Pic, 1952 (Africa) * ''

Luciola recticollis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1900 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola robusticeps'' Pic, 1928 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola roseicolllis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1933 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola ruficollis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' (Guérin-Méneville, 1830) (Australia) * ''

Luciola rugiceps ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1886 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola satoi'' Jeng & Yang, 2003 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola scheitzae'' Pic, 1952 (Africa) * '' Luciola semiventralis'' Fairmaire, 1899 (Africa) * '' Luciola semivittata'' Pic, 1952 (Africa) * '' Luciola septemmaculata'' E. Olivier, 1888 (Africa) * ''

Luciola singapura ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Jusoh & Ballantyne, 2021 (Singapore) * ''

Luciola sordida ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1905 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola spectralis'' Gorham, 1880 (Australia) * '' Luciola spilodera'' Fairmaire, 1898 (Africa) * '' Luciola stanleyi'' E. Olivier, 1913 (Africa) * '' Luciola stigmaticollis'' Fairmaire, 1887 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola subunicolor'' Pic, 1931 (Africa) * '' Luciola sudra'' Gorham, 1903 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola syriaca'' (Costa, 1875) (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola tabida ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Gorham, 1880 (Africa) * ''

Luciola taeniaticollis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Fairmaire, 1886 (Africa) * '' Luciola tenuicornis'' E. Olivier, 1885 (Australia) * ''

Luciola testaceipes ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1916 (Africa) * ''

Luciola testaceiventris ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1916 (Africa) * '' Luciola tetrasticta'' Fairmaire, 1888 (Africa) * ''

Luciola tincticollis ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Gorham, 1895 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola tiomana ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Ballantyne, 2019 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola trimaculata'' Pic, 1916 (Africa) * '' Luciola trivandrensis'' Raj, 1947 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola tsushimana ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Nakane, 1970 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola tuberculata ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Yiu, 2017 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola turneri ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1934 (Africa) * ''

Luciola umbratica ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' E. Olivier, 1907 (Africa) * '' Luciola unmunsana'' Doi, 1931 (Southern Asia) * '' Luciola varia'' E. Olivier, 1908 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola vittata ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Laporte, 1833 (Southern Asia) * ''

Luciola vleeschouwersi ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Pic, 1952 (Africa) * ''

Luciola xanthochroa ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Fairmaire, 1904 (Africa) * ''

Luciola xanthura ''Luciola'' is a genus of flashing fireflies in the family Lampyridae. They are especially well known from Japan and are often called Japanese fireflies, but their members range farther into Asia and reach southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain, ...

'' Gorham, 1880 (Southern Asia)

Footnotes

References

* (2006): A phylogenetic reassessment of the rare S. E. Asian firefly genus ''Pygoluciola'' Wittmer (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae). ''Raffles Bulletin of Zoology'' 53(1): 21–48
PDF fulltext
* (2002): A description of larvae and redescription of adults of the firefly ''Pteroptyx valida'' Olivier in Selangor, Malaysia (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae), with notes of Luciolinae larvae. ''Raffles Bulletin of Zoology'' 50(1): 101–109
PDF fulltext
* (2008): Taxonomy and behaviour of lucioline fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae) with redefinition and new species of ''Pygoluciola'' Wittmer from mainland China and review of ''Luciola'' LaPorte. ''

Zootaxa ''Zootaxa'' is a peer-reviewed scientific mega journal for animal taxonomists. It is published by Magnolia Press (Auckland, New Zealand). The journal was established by Zhi-Qiang Zhang in 2001 and new issues are published multiple times a week ...

'' 1733: 1–44
PDF abstract
* (2010): ''Aquatica'' gen. nov. from mainland China with a description of ''Aquatica Wuhana'' sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae). ''Zootaxa'' 2530: 1–18
PDF abstract
* (2007): Phylogeny of North American fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae): Implications for the evolution of light signals. '' Mol. Phylogenet. Evol.'' 45(1): 33–49. (HTML abstract) {{Authority control Lampyridae Lampyridae genera Bioluminescent insects Taxa named by François-Louis Laporte, comte de Castelnau