Genji Fireflyゲンジボタル

Nipponoluciola cruciataNE— Not Evaluated

The Genji firefly is a large firefly endemic to Japan, famous for the synchronized flashing displays of its males over clean, slow-flowing streams in early summer. Its aquatic larvae feed exclusively on freshwater snails, making the species a living indicator of unpolluted water.

Genji Firefly (reference photo)
Photo: Alpsdake / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification
Coleoptera / Lampyridae Source
Distribution
Endemic to Japan, native to Honshu (south of Yokohama-machi, Aomori), Shikoku, and Kyushu along clean streams; introduced populations also exist in Hokkaido and Hachijo-jima. Source

Did You Know?

  • In 2022, the species was reclassified from the genus Luciola into the newly established genus Nipponoluciola. Source
  • Males, which have light organs on their sixth and seventh abdominal segments, flash while flying, while flightless females (with a light organ only on the sixth segment) answer with single pulses near the ground; flash intervals differ regionally, roughly two seconds in western Japan and four seconds in eastern Japan. Source

Where to See This Species

2 facilities · 0 individuals

京都市動物園 (Kyoutoshi Doubutsuen)KyotoOpened in 1903

京都市動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

富山市ファミリーパーク (Toyamashifamiri Park)ToyamaOpened in 1984

富山市ファミリーパークのWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

IUCNの評価区分は資料上明確でないためnullとした。

Habitat

河川、用水路とその周辺の岸辺。

Threats

  • 水質汚濁
  • 護岸整備による岸辺の改変
  • 餌生物の減少

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

  • 水辺環境の保全
  • 飼育下繁殖と生活史展示

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

What do Genji firefly larvae eat?
The aquatic larvae feed almost exclusively on a freshwater snail called Semisulcospira libertina (kawanina), biting into the soft body and digesting it externally before eating it. Source
How long do adult Genji fireflies live?
Adults live for only about two to three weeks after emerging, and unlike their larvae, they do not feed during this stage. Source
Why does flashing pattern differ between regions?
Populations in western Japan flash at roughly two-second intervals while those in eastern Japan flash at about four-second intervals, a well-documented regional difference in this species' courtship signaling. Source

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org