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Predators consume prey for energy. Predators that acquire prey and prey that avoid predation both increase their chances of survival and reproduction (i.e., fitness). Routine predator-prey interactions elicit mutual adaptations that improve predator offenses, such as claws, teeth, and speed, as well as prey defenses, including crypsis, aposematism, and mimicry. Thus, predator-prey interactions resemble an evolutionary arms race.
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Updated: Sep 4, 2025

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Beetle bioluminescence outshines extant aerial predators.

Gareth S Powell1, Natalie A Saxton2,3, Yelena M Pacheco4

  • 1Department of Biology and Monte L. Bean Museum, Brigham Young University, 4102 LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA.

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|July 20, 2022
PubMed
Summary

The origin of firefly bioluminescence predates modern aerial predators, suggesting ancient terrestrial hunters drove its evolution. This light signal likely began as a mating strategy in aerial fireflies.

Keywords:
Lampyridaeaposematismdivergence time estimationphylogenypredation

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Zoology

Background:

  • Bioluminescence, particularly as a predator avoidance strategy, remains poorly understood regarding its evolutionary timing and origins.
  • Fireflies (Lampyridae) are a key bioluminescent group, with their light signals primarily serving aposematic and sexual functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary timing and origins of bioluminescence in fireflies, specifically as a predator avoidance strategy.
  • To elucidate the role of terrestrial and aerial predators in the evolution of firefly bioluminescence.

Main Methods:

  • Divergence time estimations were performed using genomic-scale datasets focused on Lampyridae and Elateroidea.
  • Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to infer the evolutionary history of bioluminescence.

Main Results:

  • Terrestrial beetle bioluminescence originated around 141-148 million years ago (Ma).
  • Aerial firefly bioluminescence originated around 105-133 Ma.
  • These origins predate extant aerial predators (birds, bats), implicating ancient terrestrial predators (e.g., assassin bugs, frogs, spiders) as drivers for terrestrial bioluminescence.

Conclusions:

  • The evolution of terrestrial bioluminescence in beetles was likely driven by ancient terrestrial predators.
  • Sexual signaling is hypothesized as the original function of bioluminescence in aerial fireflies.
  • Understanding the timing of bioluminescence origins provides insights into the evolution of this significant ecological signal.