Firefly

Photuris is a genus with 22 known species in North America (at least 28 more await formal description), mainly in the east. They are most common in low-lying fields ad in marshes of the northeast and northern midwest. Males begin flying well after dark, and some species fly above the tree canopy. Their flashes are green or yellow-green. Females sometimes mimic the flashes of female Photinus fireflies. A male Photinus that falls for the play will be devoured! Female Photuris accumulate defensive steroids from these meals. Larvae of Photuris are omnivores, eating dead insets and fallen berries. (per Kenn Kaufman)

The species' common name refers to the characteristic flight of the male, which flies in a J-shaped trajectory, lighting on the upswing.

Males of Photinus pyralis locate females by a series of light flashes, to which females respond with a coded delay flash. The Photuris female may also lure a Photinus pyralis to be eaten to obtain spider-repellent steroids which Cornell researchers named "lucibufagins" in 1997.