People are often amazed by how the small size of Hong Kong contrasts with the large number of species first discovered therein. One must mention the firefly first discovered in Hong Kong Wetland Park in 2009 – Pteroptyx maipo. The species was later also found in Mai Po and the inner Deep Bay area, as well as western Guangdong and Hainan.
Pteroptyx maipo belongs to a group of fireflies that often inhabit tropical mangroves. While most members from this group have a penchant for gathering and performing synchronous flashing on the tops of mangrove trees during their breeding season, Pteroptyx maipo appears to be an outlier and doesn't display such behaviour. Like other fireflies, Pteroptyx maipo uses bioluminescence to communicate. The signals are used to draw the attention of the opposite sex or as a warning.
Males and females of Pteroptyx maipo are different in many aspects. The males are usually more appealing to people not only because of their adorable large compound eyes but also their rhythmic flash-trains that light up the summer night sky. The females, on the other hand, usually rest on leaves and are less likely to fly around.
| Family | Lampyridae |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pteroptyx maipo |
| Adult Size | 6.5–8.5 mm in length |
| Habitat | Mangroves |
| IUCN Red List Status | Endangered |
