Abstract
Although reflex bleeding as a defence mechanism is well characterised in the adult lampyrid little is known of the defensive mechanisms of immature bioluminescent beetles. A detailed comparative examination of the morphology and microstructure of the pleural defensive organs of Lampyris noctiluca L., Luciola cruciata Motschulsky and a Nyctophila species obtained from Amol forest, Iran, using light microscopy and epifluorescent imaging, revealed vesicles continuous with the pleural organ membrane and held in place by a disc structure. Structural differences were apparent between species. We speculate on the function and evolution of these organs among the Lampyridae.References
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