On the intertidal firefly genus Micronaspis Green, 1948, with a new species and a phylogeny of Cratomorphini based on adult and larval traits (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

Although insects are the most diverse evolutionary radiation on Earth, they have rarely occupied marine environments. Understanding the biology of such unique marine associated taxa can lead to insights into the adaptations and limitations of insects inhabiting such an environment. Here, we describe a new species of intertidal fireflies from the northeastern coast of the Atlantic Rainforest, recovered as sister to Micronaspis floridana in the first phylogenetic analysis of Cratomorphini taxa based on morphological data of adults and larvae. We review and redefine the intertidal firefly genus Micronaspis, based on the type species M. floridana, and M. gabrielae sp. nov. We provide descriptions, illustrations and behavioral records for both immature stages and adults, for each species, and indicate putative adaptations to the intertidal environment. Due to intense human occupation along the Atlantic Coast across the Americas, loss of habitat is a concerning issue for conservation efforts of all Micronaspis species. Given the disjunct distribution of the genus (Florida, United States of America and northern Bahamas, and Bahia, Brazil), species diversity could potentially be greater. (c) 2021 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study describes a new species of intertidal fireflies from the northeastern coast of the Atlantic Rainforest, providing insights into the adaptations and limitations of insects inhabiting marine environments. The genus Micronaspis is reviewed and redefined based on morphological data, with descriptions, illustrations, and behavioral records provided for both immature stages and adults. Loss of habitat due to human occupation poses a concern for conservation efforts of all Micronaspis species, with potential greater species diversity in the genus.