#big lucy

[dailybugfacts]

Hello! I have a request if you feel so inclined, I am very curious about the photuris fireflies, mostly because I don’t see too much about the individual species. Thank you for listening!

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TODAY'S FACT IS

Did you know that the Long Crescendo Photuris (Photuris lucicrescens) is also sometimes called Big Scary or Big Lucy? They are relatively large for a firefly, measuring up to 20mm long, and have longer legs than most fireflies. Females of this species will mimic the flashes of other firefly species to lure in males and eat them like the girlboss they are. Their bloodlust doesn't start in adulthood as the bioluminescent larvae will hunt worms, snails, and other soft invertebrates.

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Photo by Rosalind Reilly

[randomanimaloftheday]

Day 46#: July Comet Firefly

Today's animal of the day is the July Comet Firefly (Photuris lucicrescens)!

Photo credit: Bruce Marlin

Also known as the long crescendo, big scary, or big Lucy firefly, this species of beetle can be found throughout the eastern region of the United States. Like many other species of firefly (but not all) Photuris lucicrescens has a bioluminescent abdomen which they use to attract mates. During the summer, males will fly around at night and put on a light show to attract the attention of a female on the ground. When a female sees a male she likes, she will copy his pattern to call him down to mate. However, the adult stage of these beetles is actually quite short, and they spend the majority of their lives as larvae.

Photo credit: Cade Campbell

In their larval state, they live primarily underground and will eat worms, snails, slugs, and other soft-bodied invertebrates. Most species of fireflies lose the ability to eat once they transform into adults and instead rely on the nutrients that they stored up during their larval stage to provide them with enough energy to fly around and mate for a few weeks. However, the July comet and other species in the genus Photuris are what's known as "femme fatale" fireflies. Females will mimic the glow patterns of other fireflies to lure males of other species down and eat them. I guess that explains why they're sometimes called "big scaries".

[neo-wolfe]

A severing stone in an unexpected place

[click for better quality]

[undisposable]

Went platinum with the birds 

[personalized-plates]

BIG LUCY

[mz-lucy-quinzel]

@jckescver wanted a starter ♛

Lucy hummed happily as she watched the last bullet leave her rose gold gun and enter her final victim’s left temple. Placing the gun back into her holster, she giggled and pulled out her compact mirror. As she touched up her smeared lipstick with her index finger, she leaned against the one spot on the wall without blood with a sigh. “Are we done now?” She moaned, dragging out the last syllable. “I killed them all so this shindig isn’t fun anymore.” 

[mz-lucy-quinzel]

@freezerburninc wanted a starter ♛

“Have we met before?” Lucy’s eyes narrowed as she looked the man in front of her up and down. Crossing her arms over her chest, she heard a bullet echo from her father’s office down the hall. “Anyways, Daddy’s a little tense right now from his last meeting so you’re better off out here.”

[mz-lucy-quinzel]

@hisqueenofgotham liked for a starter call ♛

Lucy’s laughter echoed through the penthouse as she pushed the large door open. Stumbling through as she caught her breath, she carelessly dropped her tiara onto the nearest side table. As she began to lock her rose gold gun back into safety mode, her laughter took over again. “Mom! You aren’t going to believe what just-” Lucy froze as she began to peer around the foyer, a puzzled look on her face having expected at least her mother to be home. “Mom? Mr. J?”