Black Firefly

Adult body length is 9 to 12 mm (0.35 to 0.47 in). This firefly has segmented, conspicuous, black antennae that are serrate, with males having larger antennae. The pronotum extends over the head and is usually red and yellow with a medial black stripe or patch, but may be dark overall in some individuals. The compound eyes are smaller than those of nocturnal species like Photinus pyralis. The elytra are black or brown-black and have granulated texture. The light organ is greatly reduced and difficult to discern in the adult.

Lucidota atra are found in eastern North America. Their range extends west to Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas and south to Mexico.

This is a firefly that flies actively in daylight. Males fly low, about one to six feet (0.30 to 1.83 m) from the ground, through forests in midday, seeking females, which are often perched on low vegetation. Most are seen in the late morning to early afternoon. Male Lucidota atra can identify female mating partners by sensing the female's pheromones with their antennae. Lucidota atra express a characteristic set of odorant receptor genes in their antennae. Both males and females are able to fly.