Spectral correspondence between visual spectral sensitivity and bioluminescence emission spectra in the click beetle Pyrophorus punctatissimus (Coleoptera : Elateridae)

The presence of two spectral mechanisms, near-ultraviolet and green (lambda (max)=545 nm), is strongly suggested by electroretinographic visual spectra l sensitivity curves obtained under dark anti red chromatic adaptation cond itions in the compound eyes of the click beetle Pyrophorus punctatissimus. The bioluminescence emission of the dorsal prothoracic lanterns is deep gre en (lambda(max)=543 nm) and that of the ventral abdominal lantern is lime g reen (lambda(max)=556 nm) in colour in P. punctatissimus. A broad green vis ual receptor would detect both deep green and lime green bioluminescent opt ical signals. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.