The biology and distribution of glow-worms (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) in Spain

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José Ramón Guzmán Álvarez, Raphäel De Cock

Abstract

The distribution and biology of glow-worms (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) in Spain was assessed using an online survey and a photo-biodiversity database. Between May 2009 and May 2010 45 online forms or e-mails have been received on the “¿Has visto una luciérnaga?” website (“Have you seen a glow-worm?”) and over 200 photographs were uploaded to the Biodiversidad Virtual website. Nyctophila reichii is the species most recorded from both sources of information (95 larvae, 34 males and 25 females). Adult males and females were seen from late May until late July and larvae were found during the whole year all across Spain, even during months when adults are present. N. reichii was found in a wide variety of natural and semi-natural habitats and locations; it seems to be more adapted to mountainous and semi-arid regions and up to now seems almost lacking in the Northern more temperate provinces. The records of Lamprohiza (10 males and 5 females) show a very distinct presence in the East Mediterranean area, with the exception of a record from the North-West. It has been possible to identify a specimen of Lamprohiza paulinoi and one of Lamprohiza mulsanti. Thirteen Lampyris adults have been recorded; three have been identified as Lampyris iberica, seven as Lampyris noctiluca and the other three have been assigned to the genus level. Males and females were seen from the second fortnight of June till the second fortnight of August. Only one record of Luciola (possibly Luciola lusitanica) has been submitted (Huelva, near Doñana National Park). Taking all data and references into consideration the more humid and temperate zones (Atlantic coast and East and Northeast Mediterranean coast) seem to be more biodiverse in lampyrids than the more Southern Mediterranean and central parts of Spain.

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