Deceptive Seduction by <i>Femme Fatale</i> Fireflies and Its Avoidance by Males of a Synchronous Firefly Species (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

Abstract

Photuris female fireflies attract males of different firefly species by responding to their flashing signals; then, they try to capture and feed on them. This aggressive mimicry is considered a major selective pressure on the communication systems of the fireflies of the American continent. The intensity of this selective pressure is a function of its efficiency in prey capture. In this study, the rates of attraction and capture of males of the synchronous firefly Photinus palaciosi by the predatory females of Photuris lugubris are reported. Although the females attract numerous males, their hunting success is low. This result is consistent with the few previous measurements published. In agreement with the predicted coevolutionary race between predator and prey, behaviors consistent with predation avoidance in P. palaciosi and increasing prey encounters and prey deception by P. lugubris were observed.

Keywords

• aggressive mimicry
• deception
• hunting success
• predation avoidance
• sexual signaling