The origin of photic behavior and the evolution of sexual communication in fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

Through a phylogenetic analysis using adult morphological characters, we show that the origin of bioluminescence in cantharoid beetles appears to predate the origin of the family Lampyridae. The ability to produce and emit photic signals was first gained by larvae and appears to function as an aposematic warning display; it was subsequently gained in adults and is used as a sexual signal. Our analysis also suggests that while pheromonal sexual signals are used basally in the family, they are used in conjunction with and then subsequently replaced by photic signals in some lampyrid lineages. Both photic signals and the photic organs used to produce them have become greatly elaborated in the fireflies that no longer employ pheromonal sexual signals. In addition, the ability to produce a flashed sexual signal appears to have arisen at least three times in the family Lampyridae. Convergent evolution is also evident in a number of adult male photic organ morphologies. Further, we recommend that individual signal system components be compared rather than overall signal system complexity. The use of this strategy may allow one to recognize and better interpret adaptive correlations despite convergence or loss. We demonstrate that phylogenetic analysis is a powerful tool even for rapidly evolving traits.