About Phausis reticulata (Say, 1825)
Phausis reticulata (Say, 1825) is a species of firefly, also commonly called the blue ghost firefly. It is a tiny to medium-sized beetle, and the entire body of adults is brown. Male P. reticulata grow to about 6–9 mm (0.24–0.35 in) in length. They have large eyes, and their second antennomere is short compared to their third antennomere. Unlike many firefly species native to eastern and central United States, male P. reticulata produce a steady glow rather than a species-specific flashing pattern. To human observers, the glow of blue ghost fireflies looks blueish-white when seen at night from a distance, but appears bright green when viewed up close. This difference in observed color may be caused by the Purkinje effect. Males can control each of their light segments independently, and are able to change the intensity of their glow. Female blue ghost fireflies are wingless and cannot fly. They are yellow, paedomorphic, and remain in larval form throughout adulthood. Females are also very small, measuring only about 4–9 mm (0.16–0.35 in) long. Recorded populations of P. reticulata are located in the southern Appalachian Mountains and piedmont areas of Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, with some isolated populations in northern Florida. Adult P. reticulata live in a wide range of habitats, including dry woods, moist woods, areas near water, and along high, dry ridges.
