Identification:  Fireflies are actually beetles that belong to the family Lampyridae. They are small and soft with a pale thorax and dark brown wing covers. On the underside of the abdomen there are one or two segments that form a white light-emitting organ. 

Call/Song: 
 
 

Habitat:  Found mostly in mountainous areas.

Feeding:  Larvae live amongst damp ground litter where they feed on tiny snails.

Breeding/Nesting:  The males flash light as a signal whilst flying to wingless females on the ground. If the female is receptive she will return a weaker flash and couple will unite and mate.

Movement:  Male beetles fly in Spring.

Photos: Glenn Threlfo

Status: 

 
Distribution: 

Abundance: 

Queensland Museum (1995) Wildlife of Greater Brisbane, Queensland Museum, Brisbane.

Common, I. and Waterhouse, D. (1981) Butterflies of Australia, Angus & Robertson, London.