Firefly

Description:

A small beetle, the males fly while the females wait on the groundcover to mate.

Habitat:

This particular species is only found in the western suburbs of Brisbane across a very scattered range. Found along waterways in scrubby, viney areas. I have been observing this particular species in this particular area for about 4 years now - it emerges much earlier in the year when compared to the species in the mountains/rainforests/ranges (usually late August - early September) and can be active from anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 weeks. Prior to the large amount of rain and flood Brisbane has experienced over the past 3 years (right at the end of the drought) this particular observation area had hundreds of fireflies emerging at nightfall at the peak of mating, and would often fly into our backyard or house. After the floods and heavy rain, the maximums have been ~50. They do not like cold temperatures, rain or wind. They have a very lazy flash pattern and flight pattern, and it is not difficult to catch the males. It is very difficult to photograph them though!

Notes:

Found near creeks and viney waterways in the western suburbs of Brisbane. Very early breeding cycle compared to other fireflies in SE QLD.