Meeting Abstract

P2.13  Jan. 5  The Effects of Condition on Flash Behavior of Male Photunis ignitus Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) CHICOINE, K.D.*; ZANGHI, M.R.; CRATSLEY, C.K; Fitchburg State College kellchicky@yahoo.com

Photinus ignitus fireflies produce bioluminescent flashes that are used for both species recognition and courtship. In some species male courtship signals serve as honest indicators of male condition. However, few studies have explored the relationship between firefly flash behavior and male condition. This study examined how the condition of male P. ignitus affects flash behavior. Field collected P. ignitus were separated into one of four experimental groups: tethered flown, tethered fed, tethered control, and non-tethered control. Tethered fireflies were observed each night in simulated flight activity for fifteen minute intervals over five consecutive nights, and either flown for � hr during the day, provided with nutrients in their water, or maintained as a control treatment. Non-tethered fireflies were observed in a screened enclosure each night for the same period of time. Flash activity was elicited using micro-controller based virtual firefly instruments and flash frequency was recorded. We found that none of our treatments significantly predicted flash behavior, longevity, or change in body weight. Instead, both longevity and number of flashes produced on the most active night were predicted by initial firefly weight. Although we could not detect an effect of flight or supplemental feeding on flash behavior, male condition may be related to male size, with larger, heavier males able to live longer and produce more courtship flashes. Since P. ignitus mate multiply and courtship often requires repeated male flashes, heavier P. ignitus males may experience greater lifetime mating success.