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Bioluminescence, the emission of light by living organisms, is a captivating and widespread phenomenon with diverse ecological functions. This comprehensive review explores the biodiversity, mechanisms, ecological roles, and conservation challenges of bioluminescent organisms in Brazil, a country known for its vast and diverse ecosystems. From the enchanting glow of fireflies and glow-in-the-dark mushrooms to the mesmerizing displays of marine dinoflagellates and cnidarians, Brazil showcases a remarkable array of bioluminescent species. Understanding the biochemical mechanisms and enzymes involved in bioluminescence enhances our knowledge of their evolutionary adaptations and ecological functions. However, habitat loss, climate change, and photopollution pose significant threats to these bioluminescent organisms. Conservation measures, interdisciplinary collaborations, and responsible lighting practices are crucial for their survival. Future research should focus on identifying endemic species, studying environmental factors influencing bioluminescence, and developing effective conservation strategies. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, advanced technologies, and increased funding, Brazil can unravel the mysteries of its bioluminescent biodiversity, drive scientific advancements, and ensure the long-term preservation of these captivating organisms.

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Jurasaidae are a family of neotenic elateroid beetles which was described recently from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot based on three species in two genera. All life stages live in the soil, including the larviform females, and only adult males are able to fly. Here, we report the discovery of two new species, Jurasai miraculum sp. nov. and J. vanini sp. nov., and a new, morphologically remarkable population of J. digitusdei Rosa et al., 2020. Our discovery sheds further light on the diversity and biogeography of the group. Most species of Jurasaidae are known from the rainforest remnants of the Atlantic Forest, but here for the first time we report a jurasaid species from the relatively drier Atlantic Forest/Caatinga transitional zone. Considering our recent findings, minute body size and cryptic lifestyle of all jurasaids, together with potentially high numbers of yet undescribed species of this family from the Atlantic Forest and possibly also other surrounding ecoregions, we call for both field research in potentially suitable localities as well as for a detailed investigation of a massive amount of already collected but still unprocessed materials deposited in a number of Brazilian institutes, laboratories and collections.

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The Pyrearinus pumilus species group from South America includes luminescent click beetles (Agrypninae: Pyrophorini) associated with the phenomena of "luminescent termite mounds" and "luminous canga caves". The latter was recently reported in the state of Pará, Brazil. This group includes six species based on the morphology of adults, of which two have immature stages already described. In this work we present the morphology and biological aspects of mature larva and pupa of Pyrearinus pumilus (Candèze, 1863), from the canga caves. Moreover, we provide a key and illustrations for identification of male adults and the known larvae. Our study shows that: (1) morphological characters of immatures support the close relationship of P. pumilus with their allies in the P. pumilus species group; (2) the traits of the known larvae of the P. pumilus species group are reliable for species identification.

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Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are soft-bodied beetles usually associated with mesic and hydric habitats. As such, terrestrial firefly larvae are commonly found in marshy environments and stream banks, while aquatic larvae might dwell in ponds, streams, mangroves, and even brackish water. Larval biology is especially important in fireflies, as the majority of species are extremely semelparous - that is, adults rely on resources gathered during larval stages. Despite their crucial relevance in firefly biology, larvae of only near 1% firefly species have been studied, and the majority of species remain known only from adult stages. That is especially true in the Neotropical region, where they are most diverse. Here, we describe Psilocladus costae sp. nov. after the study of adults and immature stages, the latter reported for the first time for the monotypic subfamily Psilocladinae McDermott, 1964. Interestingly, adults were first obtained by rearing the larvae, the former usually fly fairly high (ca. 10 m) and are therefore seldom collected at ground level by conventional methods (e.g., active search, Malaise traps). The new species is found in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, inhabiting canopy bromeliads, an unprecedented habit for fireflies.

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Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are soft-bodied beetles usually associated with mesic and hydric habitats. As such, terrestrial firefly larvae are commonly found in marshy environments and stream banks, while aquatic larvae might dwell in ponds, streams, mangroves, and even brackish water. Larval biology is especially important in fireflies, as the majority of species are extremely semelparous - that is, adults rely on resources gathered during larval stages. Despite their crucial relevance in firefly biology, larvae of only near 1% firefly species have been studied, and the majority of species remain known only from adult stages. That is especially true in the Neotropical region, where they are most diverse. Here, we describe Psilocladus costae sp. nov. after the study of adults and immature stages, the latter reported for the first time for the monotypic subfamily Psilocladinae McDermott, 1964. Interestingly, adults were first obtained by rearing the larvae, the former usually fly fairly high (ca. 10 m) and are therefore seldom collected at ground level by conventional methods (e.g., active search, Malaise traps). The new species is found in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, inhabiting canopy bromeliads, an unprecedented habit for fireflies.(AU)

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Beetles are the most species-rich animal radiation and are among the historically most intensively studied insect groups. Consequently, the vast majority of their higher-level taxa had already been described about a century ago. In the 21st century, thus far, only three beetle families have been described de novo based on newly collected material. Here, we report the discovery of a completely new lineage of soft-bodied neotenic beetles from the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, which is one of the most diverse and also most endangered biomes on the planet. We identified three species in two genera, which differ in morphology of all life stages and exhibit different degrees of neoteny in females. We provide a formal description of this lineage for which we propose the new family Jurasaidae. Molecular phylogeny recovered Jurasaidae within the basal grade in Elateroidea, sister to the well-sclerotized rare click beetles, Cerophytidae. This placement is supported by several larval characters including the modified mouthparts. The discovery of a new beetle family, which is due to the limited dispersal capability and cryptic lifestyle of its wingless females bound to long-term stable habitats, highlights the importance of the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest as a top priority area for nature conservation.

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An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

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Abstract Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are soft-bodied beetles usually associated with mesic and hydric habitats. As such, terrestrial firefly larvae are commonly found in marshy environments and stream banks, while aquatic larvae might dwell in ponds, streams, mangroves, and even brackish water. Larval biology is especially important in fireflies, as the majority of species are extremely semelparous - that is, adults rely on resources gathered during larval stages. Despite their crucial relevance in firefly biology, larvae of only near 1% firefly species have been studied, and the majority of species remain known only from adult stages. That is especially true in the Neotropical region, where they are most diverse. Here, we describe Psilocladus costae sp. nov. after the study of adults and immature stages, the latter reported for the first time for the monotypic subfamily Psilocladinae McDermott, 1964. Interestingly, adults were first obtained by rearing the larvae, the former usually fly fairly high (ca. 10 m) and are therefore seldom collected at ground level by conventional methods (e.g., active search, Malaise traps). The new species is found in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, inhabiting canopy bromeliads, an unprecedented habit for fireflies.

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Mature larva and pupa of Platycrepidius dewynteri Chassain are described, from Pará state, Brazil. Biological notes under laboratory conditions and comparison with P. bicinctus Candèze are also included. Additionally, we present a synopsis and a morphological comparative study based mainly on literature of the known mature larvae of the Agrypninae genera.

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A phylogeny based on male morphological characters and taxonomic revision of the Physodactylinae genera are presented. The phylogenetic analysis based on 66 male characters resulted in the polyphyly of Physodactylinae which comprises four independent lineages. Oligostethius and Idiotropia from Africa were found to be sister groups. Teslasena from Brazil was corroborated as belonging to Cardiophorinae clade. The South American genera Physodactylus and Dactylophysus were found to be sister groups and phylogenetically related to Heterocrepidius species. The Oriental Toxognathus resulted as sister group of that clade plus (Dicrepidius ramicornis (Lissomus sp, Physorhynus erythrocephalus)). Taxonomic revisions include diagnoses and redescriptions of genera and distributional records and illustrations of species. Key to species of Teslasena, Toxognathus, Dactylophysus and Physodactylus are also provided. Teslasena lucasi is synonymized with T. femoralis. A new species of Dactylophysus is described, D. hirtus sp. nov., and lectotypes are designated to non-conspecific D. mendax sensu Fleutiaux and Heterocrepidius mendax Candèze. Physodactylus niger is removed from synonymy under P. oberthuri; P. carreti is synonymized with P. niger; P. obesus and P. testaceus are synonymized with P. sulcatus. Nine new species are described in Physodactylus: P. asper sp. nov., P. brunneus sp. nov., P. chassaini sp. nov., P. flavifrons sp. nov., P. girardi sp. nov., P. gounellei sp. nov., P. latithorax sp. nov., P. patens sp. nov. and P. tuberculatus sp. nov.(AU)

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A phylogeny based on male morphological characters and taxonomic revision of the Physodactylinae genera are presented. The phylogenetic analysis based on 66 male characters resulted in the polyphyly of Physodactylinae which comprises four independent lineages. Oligostethius and Idiotropia from Africa were found to be sister groups. Teslasena from Brazil was corroborated as belonging to Cardiophorinae clade. The South American genera Physodactylus and Dactylophysus were found to be sister groups and phylogenetically related to Heterocrepidius species. The Oriental Toxognathus resulted as sister group of that clade plus (Dicrepidius ramicornis (Lissomus sp, Physorhynus erythrocephalus)). Taxonomic revisions include diagnoses and redescriptions of genera and distributional records and illustrations of species. Key to species of Teslasena, Toxognathus, Dactylophysus and Physodactylus are also provided. Teslasena lucasi is synonymized with T. femoralis. A new species of Dactylophysus is described, D. hirtus sp. nov., and lectotypes are designated to non-conspecific D. mendax sensu Fleutiaux and Heterocrepidius mendax Candèze. Physodactylus niger is removed from synonymy under P. oberthuri; P. carreti is synonymized with P. niger; P. obesus and P. testaceus are synonymized with P. sulcatus. Nine new species are described in Physodactylus: P. asper sp. nov., P. brunneus sp. nov., P. chassaini sp. nov., P. flavifrons sp. nov., P. girardi sp. nov., P. gounellei sp. nov., P. latithorax sp. nov., P. patens sp. nov. and P. tuberculatus sp. nov.

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Mature larva of Alampoides alychnus (Kirsch) is described and compared to known Pyrophorini immatures. Larvae were collected live in the soil of a region dominated by sugarcane plantation and gallery forest in Campo Novo dos Parecis, Mato Grosso, Brazil. They were maintained in laboratory and the pupal period lasted 14 days. This larva differs from other Pyrophorini larvae mainly by bioluminescent pattern: one pair of luminous spots on the mesonotum, and a longitudinal series of median spots on the metanotum and all abdominal segments. The morphology of larva and the bioluminescent pattern of larva and pupa are described for the first time to the genus and the tribe. The fact that adults show no trace of luminescence is emphasized.(AU)

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Mature larva of Alampoides alychnus (Kirsch) is described and compared to known Pyrophorini immatures. Larvae were collected live in the soil of a region dominated by sugarcane plantation and gallery forest in Campo Novo dos Parecis, Mato Grosso, Brazil. They were maintained in laboratory and the pupal period lasted 14 days. This larva differs from other Pyrophorini larvae mainly by bioluminescent pattern: one pair of luminous spots on the mesonotum, and a longitudinal series of median spots on the metanotum and all abdominal segments. The morphology of larva and the bioluminescent pattern of larva and pupa are described for the first time to the genus and the tribe. The fact that adults show no trace of luminescence is emphasized.

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Second record of bioluminescence in larvae of Xantholinus Dejean, (Staphylinidae, Xantholinini) from Brazil. Bioluminescent Xantholinus larvae (Xantholinini, Staphylinidae) were collected in the Cerrado biome of Mato Grosso state, Brazil. These larvae are morphologically similar to the first bioluminescent larvae of this genus collected in the Atlantic Forest in São Paulo state; however they differ by their bioluminescent emission.

Larvas de Xantholinus sp. (Xantholinini, Staphylinidae) foram coletadas no Cerrado do estado do Mato Grosso. Essas larvas são similares às primeiras larvas bioluminescentes do mesmo gênero coletadas na Floresta Atlântica em São Paulo, mas diferem pela emissão da bioluminescência.

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Coctilelater minimus from Brazil (Pará) is described and illustrated. This new species is mainly characterized by small size and coloration pattern.

Coctilelater minimus sp. nov., coletado no Brasil (Pará) é descrita e ilustrada. Essa espécie é caracterizada principalmente pelo pequeno tamanho e pela coloração geral do corpo.

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Metapyrophorus, a new monotypic genus, is erected based on M. pharolim, new species from Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. The genus is characterized mainly by its pair of convex pronotal bioluminescent organs, equidistant between the median line and the lateral margin.

O gênero monotípico Metapyrophorus é erigido com base na nova espécie M. pharolim, de Trinidad e Tobago e Venezuela. O gênero é caracterizado principalmente por um par de órgãos bioluminescentes convexos, localizados próximos da margem posterior do pronoto, eqüidistantes à linha mediana e à margem lateral.

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The chromosome study of five species of the family Elateridae, belonging to the subfamilies Agrypninae and Elaterinae, and the analysis of the cytogenetic data previously recorded for this family permitted the establishment of the main strategies of karyotypic differentiation that has occurred in the elaterids. In Agrypninae, the three species studied (Conoderus fuscofasciatus, Conoderus rufidens, and Conoderus sp.) showed the male karyotype 2n=16+X0. This karyotypic uniformity detected in these Conoderus species has also been shared with other species of the same genus, differing considerably from chromosomal heterogeneity verified in the subfamily Agrypninae. The use of the C-banding technique in C. fuscofasciatus and Conoderus sp. revealed constitutive heterochromatin in the pericentromeric region of the majority of the chromosomes. In C. fuscofasciatus, additional constitutive heterochromatin were also observed in the long arm terminal region of almost all chromosomes. Among the representatives of Elaterinae, the karyotype 2n=18+Xy(p) of Pomachilius sp.2 was similar to that verified in the majority of the Coleoptera species, contrasting with the chromosomal formula 2n=18+X0 detected in Cardiorhinus rufilateris, which is most common in the species of Elaterinae. In the majority of the elaterids, the chromosomal differentiation has frequently been driven by reduction of the diploid number; but, among the four cytogenetically examined subfamilies, there are some differences in relation to the trends of karyotypic evolution.

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Larvae and pupae of the cryptic firefly Photuris fulvipes (Blanchard,1837) are described. They were reared to adult stage from eggs laid by a female collected in São Luiz do Paraitinga, São Paulo, Brazil. Additionally, adult diagnosis and some bionomic data observed in the laboratory are presented. The bionomical and morphological characteristics of P. fulvipes were compared to other unidentified species of the genus and to Bycellonycha sp. from literature. At moment, the data are insufficient to propose a diagnosis for the species, but some characteristics appear to define species group or, at least, they may have generic value.

Larva e pupa de Photuris fulvipes (Blanchard, 1837), criadas a partir de ovos de uma fêmea coletada em São Luiz do Paraitinga, São Paulo, são descritas. São apresentados uma diagnose do adulto e alguns dados bionômicos observados durante a criação em laboratório. Esses dados e a morfologia dos imaturos foram comparados aos de outras espécies não identificadas do gênero e a Bycellonycha sp., descritos na literatura. Nesse momento, os dados são insuficientes para propor uma diagnose para a espécie, mas algumas características parecem ser importantes para definir grupos de espécies ou, pelo menos, para diagnosticar o gênero.

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The speciose Brazilian Elateridae fauna is characterized by high karyotypic diversity, including one species (Chalcolepidius zonatus Eschscholtz, 1829) with the lowest diploid number within any Coleoptera order. Cytogenetic analysis of Conoderus dimidiatus Germar, 1839, C. scalaris (Germar, 1824,) C. ternarius Germar, 1839, and C. stigmosus Germar, 1839 by standard and differential staining was performed with the aim of establishing mechanisms of karyotypic differentiation in these species. Conoderus dimidiatus, C. scalaris, and C. ternarius have diploid numbers of 2n(male) = 17 and 2n(female) = 18, and a X0/XX sex determination system, similar to that encountered in the majority of Conoderini species. The karyotype of C. stigmosus was characterized by a diploid number of 2n = 16 and a neoXY/neoXX sex determination system that was highly differentiated from other species of the genus. Some features of the mitotic and meiotic chromosomes suggest an autosome/ancestral X chromosome fusion as the cause of the neoXY system origin in C. stigmosus. C-banding and silver impregnation techniques showed that the four Conoderus species possess similar chromosomal characteristics to those registered in most Polyphaga species, including pericentromeric C band and autosomal NORs. Triple staining techniques including CMA3/DA/DAPI also provided useful information for differentiating these Conoderus species. These techniques revealed unique GC-rich heterochromatin associated with NORs in C. scalaris and C. stigmosus and CMA3-heteromorphism in C. scalaris and C. ternarius.

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O gênero Opselater é formado por elaterídeos bioluminescentes, com vesículas luminescentes laterais, pequenas, localizadas na região posterior do pronoto, e corpo delgado com élitros gradualmente afilados do úmero ao ápice. Distribuem-se do Panamá à Argentina. São redescritas sete espécies, Opselater hebes (Germar, 1841), O. helvolus (Germar, 1841), O. lucens (Illiger, 1807), O. melanurus (Candèze, 1863), O. pyrophanus (Illiger, 1807), O. quadraticollis (Blanchard, 1843) e O. succinus Costa, 1980. O. costae sp. nov. de Linhares, Espírito Santo, é descrita. Também são apresentados uma chave para a identificação das espécies e ilustrações dos principais caracteres, incluindo protórax, pterotórax, asas e metendosternito.

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