Family overview
Soft-bodied beetles with a leathery, broad pronotum that covers the head from above. Specialized light-producing organs on the abdomen.
Use bioluminescent flash patterns to find mates. Populations are declining due to light pollution and habitat loss.
At a glance
Family facts.
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Terrestrial
Approx. species
2,200
Notable members
Common eastern firefly (Photinus pyralis), big dipper firefly, blue ghost firefly