Discovery of the female of Pyrocoelia prolongata in Taiwan (Coleoptera, Lampyridae)

Abstract

The female of Pyrocoelia prolongata Jeng & Lai, a diurnal lampyrid species from Taiwan, is described for the first time. A single individual was found in a small, shady, dry streambed at the edge of a mixed forest at 2700 m elevation. The individual glowed in darkness and would move its abdomen up and down when disturbed and as a deterring behavior. A key to the females of the species of Pyrocoelia Gorham in Taiwan is provided. The morphology of photogenic organs of females and the function of bioluminescence of day-active species of Pyrocoelia are discussed.