Glow worm Beetle - male

Description:

This is a male beetle of the Family Phengodidae. They are related to the Fireflies (Lampyridae) and the Soldier Beetles (Cantharidae). The males usually have impressive antennae, the fore elytra are small and pointed and the hind wings fold down over the abdomen. This one is bright orange with lateral orange bands on a black abdomen. He is 2 cm long. The female is usually wingless and larva-like and produces light on most sections of the abdomen. The larvae are predaceous.

Habitat:

Came to the porch lights, outskirts of San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. We are surrounded by pine forest and mountain wetland at 2,200 meters.