Species Details

Phausis rhombica

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »

SeasonalitySpecimens have been collected from mid June through mid July. IdentificationPhausis rhombica can easily be distinguished from other Alberta fireflies. While some lampyrids may be the same size (6-7mm), no other Alberta genus has the uniform colouration (brown-black) with two large kidney-shaped translucent spots in the anterior portion of the pronotum directly above the eyes. Unlike other Alberta Lampyridae, Phausis species also have a glassy bead, easily visible under a microscope, at the end of the last antennal segment. Currently, no other Phausis species is known to occur in Alberta, though P. nigra has been collected from Fernie, B.C. (Fender 1966), and likely ranges into southwestern Alberta. Phausis rhombica can be distinguished from other Phausis species, including P. nigra, by characteristics of the pronotum. Viewed dorsally, the pronotum is widest at the base and narrows anteriorly, giving it a trapezoidal shape. The two anterior angles may be somewhat obscure, but they keep the pronotum from appearing uniformly rounded. The anterior pronotal margin is feebly arced in most specimens, and in some this arc appears slightly notched in the center. Features of the scutellum are also useful in identifying P. rhombica. The scutellum is subspatulate (roughly pear-shaped), finely notched at the apex, and has a groove running from its center to the notch at the apex. The scutellum also bears small, sparse punctures.

Scientific Name Phausis rhombica Habitat No information available. Seasonality Specimens have been collected from mid June through mid July. Identification
Phausis rhombica can easily be distinguished from other Alberta fireflies. While some lampyrids may be the same size (6-7mm), no other Alberta genus has the uniform colouration (brown-black) with two large…
Phausis rhombica can easily be distinguished from other Alberta fireflies. While some lampyrids may be the same size (6-7mm), no other Alberta genus has the uniform colouration (brown-black) with two large kidney-shaped translucent spots in the anterior portion of the pronotum directly above the eyes. Unlike other Alberta Lampyridae, Phausis species also have a glassy bead, easily visible under a microscope, at the end of the last antennal segment. Currently, no other Phausis species is known to occur in Alberta, though P. nigra has been collected from Fernie, B.C. (Fender 1966), and likely ranges into southwestern Alberta. Phausis rhombica can be distinguished from other Phausis species, including P. nigra, by characteristics of the pronotum. Viewed dorsally, the pronotum is widest at the base and narrows anteriorly, giving it a trapezoidal shape. The two anterior angles may be somewhat obscure, but they keep the pronotum from appearing uniformly rounded. The anterior pronotal margin is feebly arced in most specimens, and in some this arc appears slightly notched in the center. Features of the scutellum are also useful in identifying P. rhombica. The scutellum is subspatulate (roughly pear-shaped), finely notched at the apex, and has a groove running from its center to the notch at the apex. The scutellum also bears small, sparse punctures.
Life History
While females of this species are unknown (Fender 1966), known females of other Phausis species in North America are larva-like. Adult females (from those species where females are known) of the genus emit light;…
While females of this species are unknown (Fender 1966), known females of other Phausis species in North America are larva-like. Adult females (from those species where females are known) of the genus emit light; males are lightless. All larvae also have light organs (Arnett 2001).
Conservation No information available. Diet Info Larvae are likely predacious (Arnett 2001). Range
Specimens of P. rhombica have been collected in scattered localities from Merritt, B.C. and Cochrane, Alberta south to Tollgate, Oregon, the holotype being from Banff, Alberta (Fender 1966). Edmonton and Gull Lake,…
Specimens of P. rhombica have been collected in scattered localities from Merritt, B.C. and Cochrane, Alberta south to Tollgate, Oregon, the holotype being from Banff, Alberta (Fender 1966). Edmonton and Gull Lake, Alberta (5 specimens in the Strickland Museum) are interesting localities for the species.

Citation

Page Citation for Phausis rhombica

Page Citation

"Species Details - Phausis rhombica, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-5424. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Authorship

Name Hummel, J. D.
Role species page author
Date 2004

References

Specimen Information

There are 9 specimens of this Species.

9 results plotted on map in 5 markers.
Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.

UASM73401 - Phausis rhombica

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Banff National Park, Banff Collected ByBryant, O. Date Collected1928-06-13

UASM73402 - Phausis rhombica

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton Collected ByCarr, F. S. Date Collected1917-06-27

UASM73403 - Phausis rhombica

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton Collected ByCarr, F. S. Date Collected1928-06-27

UASM73404 - Phausis rhombica

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton Collected ByCarr, F. S. Date Collected1928-06-27

UASM73405 - Phausis rhombica

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park, Waterton Collected ByCarr, F. S. Date Collected1930-07-10

UASM73406 - Phausis rhombica

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton Collected ByStrickland, E. H. Date Collected1947-06-30

UASM73407 - Phausis rhombica

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Lethbridge Collected ByHillerud, O. S. Date Collected1948-06-30

UASM73871 - Phausis rhombica

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Gull Lake Collected ByStrickland, E. H. Date Collected1929-06-28

UASM73872 - Phausis rhombica

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton Collected ByStrickland, E. H. Date Collected1923-07-01

Adult Seasonal Distribution