Nyctophila reichii (Mediterranean firefly/glow-worm) is a common Lampyrid beetle found in the Mediterranean region (Iberia, France, Italy, Balkans). Known for, sexual dimorphism, females are flightless, larger, and glow green to attract flying males in summer. Larvae are predatory, feeding on snails and slugs, and can emit light.
Key Facts about Nyctophila reichii:
Appearance & Dimorphism: Females are roughly 4 cm long, larvae-like (larviform), and wingless, while males are smaller and winged.
Luminescence: Both larvae and adult females glow to attract mates, producing a cold green light from the last abdominal segments.
Habitat: Commonly found in Mediterranean, mountainous, and semi-arid regions.
Diet: Larvae are specialized predators of snails and slugs.
Activity Period: Adults are active from the second half of June to the second half of August.
Defense: They possess eversible organs that help protect them against predators.
Commonality: They are among the most common glow-worms in Catalonia and the southern/eastern Iberian Peninsula.
Interaction: They are non-toxic to humans.
