Scientific name Phrixothrix Rank Genus | ||
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Similar Beetle, Phengodidae, Photinus pyralis, Photinus, Luciola cruciata | ||
Bioluminescent railroad worm in tambopata peru phengodidae
A railroad worm is a larva or larviform female adult of a beetle of the genus Phrixothrix in the family Phengodidae, characterized by the possession of two different colors of bioluminescence. It has the appearance of a caterpillar. The eleven pairs of luminescent organs on their second thoracic segment through their ninth abdominal segment can glow yellowish-green, while the pair on their head can glow red; this is probably due to different luciferases in their bodies, as the reaction substrate, called luciferin, is the same.
Contents
- Bioluminescent railroad worm in tambopata peru phengodidae
- Phrixothrix beetle larva railroad worm
- References
The "railroad worm" name arises because these glowing spots along the body resemble the windows of train cars internally illuminated in the night. The light emissions are believed to be a warning signal to nocturnal predators of their unpalatability.
The term "railroad worm" is also sometimes applied to the apple maggot.
Phrixothrix beetle larva railroad worm
