Phausis
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Phausis is a genus of firefly (family Lampyridae). These beetles are for the most part unimpressive in their appearance and behaviour, and thus have not drawn much study, and little is known about many of the species.
Species in this genus are at least known from Europe and North America. More than seven species occur in North America, ranging throughout much of the continent.
Phausis males are small compared to many fireflies, ranging from about 3 to 8.5 mm (0.1 - 0.3 inches). Most are brown to brown-black in colour and have transparent "window" spots in the front half of the pronotum. A key characteristic distinguishing adult male Phausis from most other firefly genera is the presence of a minute glassy bead at the tip of each antenna. Males have huge eyes. Female Phausis, where known, are larviform. For most North American species the females have not been discovered, possibly because they often live in burrows in the soil and are therefore not easily collected.
Most, if not all, males are non-luminescent, while female Phausis (those that are known) do emit bioluminescence.
Sources indicate that the species in this genus in North America are in need of revision and further study. P. splendidula is one species from Europe.
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