Anchana Thancharoen

Pteroptyx tener is a mangrove-associated firefly known for its synchronous flashing behavior and is currently classified as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Despite its ecological and economic importance, its larval biology remains poorly understood. This study aimed to describe the life cycle and larval feeding ecology of Pteroptyx tener under controlled conditions. Adults were collected from a mangrove river system in southern Thailand and reared in two experimental trials under laboratory conditions. Eggs, larvae, and pupae were maintained on moist cotton substrates, and larvae were fed juvenile golden apple snails ( Pomacea canaliculata ) throughout development. Larval feeding behavior, developmental duration, survival rates, and morphological characteristics were recorded across all instars. The complete life cycle lasted approximately 7–8 months and comprised egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with no significant difference between sexes. Survival was high during early larval stages but declined markedly in later instars and during the prepupal transition, likely due to unsuitable pupation substrates. First-instar larvae exhibited gregarious feeding behavior, while larvae showed temporary starvation tolerance. These findings indicate multiple adaptive traits, including gregarious feeding, developmental plasticity, and trophic flexibility. These results provide a basis for conservation implementation, emphasizing habitat-based management strategies that integrate mangrove restoration, prey resource conservation, and control of anthropogenic stressors to support population persistence of Pteroptyx tener .

Fireflies are charismatic beetles with attractive bioluminescent courtship displays that have recently been swept onto the global stage of nature tourism. Here, we provide the first comprehensive review of the geographic scope, magnitude, focal species, and other attributes of the major firefly tourism sites worldwide. Through targeted interviews and surveys, we estimate that in recent years over one million tourists travelled annually to sites located in at least 12 countries for firefly‐watching. Rapid proliferation of firefly tourism provides a timely opportunity to examine how such activities may impact local firefly populations, and to highlight the biological factors that make certain species especially vulnerable to tourism‐associated threats. We offer science‐based best practices for firefly ecotourism that can be tailored to fit local circumstances, including recommendations to: (1) Conserve the habitats required for all life stages to thrive, (2) involve local communities as key stakeholders, and (3) provide training programs for guides and interpretive materials for visitors. Finally, we provide suggestions for transforming tourist behavior to minimize impact on firefly populations. By developing management plans that incorporate these recommendations, firefly tourist sites can enhance the visitor experience, protect natural resources, benefit local communities, and help promote the conservation of invertebrate biodiversity.

Sclerotia Ballantyne gen. nov. is established for seven species. Sclerotia aquatilis (Thancharoen, 2007), Scl. brahmina (Bourgeois, 1890), Scl. carinata (Gorham, 1880), Scl. flavida (Hope, 1845), Scl. seriata (Olivier, 1891), and Scl. substriata (Gorham, 1880) are transferred from Luciola Laporte. Sclerotia fui sp. nov. from China is described as new. Luciola cingulata Olivier, 1885 is synonymised with Luciola substriata Gorham. Luciola formosana Pic, 1916 is removed from synonymy with Luciola substriata and newly synonymised with Luciola flavida (Hope). Males are characterised by linear elytral punctation, a set of three sclerites surrounding the aedeagal sheath and a light organ in ventrite 7 with emarginated anterior margin. Associated females lack bursa plates. Larvae associated for three species are back swimmers, having heavily sclerotised exoskeleton and a metapneustic respiratory system. Males and associated females are keyed. Analysis of molecular evidence for Chinese populations of three species indicates monophyly of Sclerotia Ballantyne gen. nov. and distinct separation from other genera.Triangulara Pimpasalee gen. nov. is described from Tri. frontoflava Pimpasalee gen. et sp. nov. from Thailand. It is superficially similar to Sclerotia gen. nov. but larger, and specimens in collections appear to have been confused with the similarly coloured Scl. substriata (Gorham) comb. nov. Males differ in having an elongate triangular light organ in ventrite 7 and are without sclerites around the aedeagal sheath. Larvae are not reliably associated but may be aquatic.