Orfelia fultoni
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| Orfelia fultoni | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Mycetophilidae |
| Genus: | Orfelia |
| Species: | O. fultoni |
| Binomial name | |
| Orfelia fultoni | |
Orfelia fultoni is the only bioluminescent member of Diptera found in North America. It is distantly related to Arachnocampa. The larvae of the species live in stream banks among moss and rock cavities, as well as in wet sandstone caves. They build sticky webs, and using their two bioluminescent lanterns as an attractant, capture flying prey. They produce the bluest light of any studied bioluminescent insect. The species occurs in the Appalachian Mountains and Cumberland Plateau, primarily in the states of Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.[1]
Orfelia fultoni has sometimes been referred to by the common name "dismalites",[2] in consequence of their presence in Dismals Canyon, a National Natural Landmark in northwest Alabama.
Photoshopped simulation of Dismalites on canyon wall.
References
External links
- Information from official website of Dismals Canyon, a nature preserve where the species may be observed, including pictures.
- Description of discovery of dismalites
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