What country - would help narrow down the search. Like you I did not get many useful searches on beetles that have the ability to glow in Central American. I did get lots of hits for the Volkswagen Beetle. LOL

CT

Found a link that talks about fireflies and lightning beetles, even though it is a 'pest' websight, it might be helpful for a launch point of beetles.

You sure it was not a firefly? They can keep their light on longer when on the ground. There is one in the link that has two red markings on the front and of course the back lights up, but this would be 'two tailights and one headlight' in reverse.

CT

Here is a link that might be useful: Firefly and Lightning Beetles

Panama was the country. We lived there until I was 18 y/o.

These bugs weren't lightening bugs, but your link provided with the proper googling term...luminescent insects. *lol* Haven't hit on much yet but will search more this evening after work.

Thanks CT.

This link has a goldmine of names and an empty closet of color photos and descriptions. Might have to search each type of beetle with a second search window up for an image.

I'm learning Panama has a vast number of different species of beetles, including differnt fireflies that are also beetles, not flies. Also, scarb and rhino types.

Do you know anybody that still lives there that grew up with you during that time in which you could jog their memory on the local name?

It's been fun and informative searching to say the least. One of us has got to nail it down!

CT

Here is a link that might be useful: Beetles of Panama

Another long shot but here is a link that stores digital images of insects from Panama. You might want to email them and provide the best description you can, along with several variations of the local name you remember. They might just know what it is - doesn't hurt to try, right?

Here is a link that might be useful: Your Panama

"I'm learning Panama has a vast number of different species of beetles, including differnt fireflies that are also beetles, not flies."

Yes, the cucujo is a click beetle, actually. So far I have not been able to find any indepth articles on the cucujo, but one look at a photo assured me this was the one I was looking for. Most everything has been single little paragraphs so I am still in search of
more facts.

One little tidbit of info:
The Cucujo is also known as the Jamaican fire beetle, and it is the world record holder for the brightest bioluminescent lifeform. It flies, quickly and straight, through the treetops and then lights up like a white flare for a steady 10 seconds. 40 cucujos are the equivalent of a 60 watt light bulb. The native people often wore the beetles tied to their feet, lighting the way along dark paths at night.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://fireflyforest.net/firefly/2006/06/06/fire-beetle

cometrose, you do know that ALL fireflies are beetles, right? Couldn't tell from your post if you thought that they might be flies of some kind.

Good call, moonie! Very interesting information!

rhizo - no I didn't know, until recently, they are all beetles, but I never thought they were flies either, if that makes sense. I never paid them much mind other than to look at them on warm evenings and collect a few in a jar as a child. In any case I'm glad moonie found his bug, but I am not a fan of click beetles because I've been bitten by them.

Last summer I saw one of the bullfrogs that resides in my pond eat a firefly and it lit up inside his mouth and I could see the frog's mouth light up, just like when a kid puts a flashlight in their mouth, except instead of red, it was green. Actually I read that most other creatures won't eat them because of a bad taste and also a toxin, but the frog didn't die from eating one. Bullfrogs will have a go at anything that moves. My largest bullfrog is 8" and it eats small birds when it can catch them.

CT

Here is another link with the bugger lit up! Seems it called by many names, another the Cuban Fire Beetle.

CT

Here is a link that might be useful: Two Headlights - Missing Tailight

CT - thanks so much for finding that photo!

My husband and son found the same bio-luminescence click beetle. They where catching regular 'ole fireflys and this one with 2 "headlights" showed up as well. I saw that they are native to central America, but they have made their way to Houston, TX!! I live in a pretty wooded area on a creek South of Houston but North of Galveston Island and was surprised that all the posts and websites state that they are common in Panama & Costa Rica. Very cool!!!

Here is the pic of the one we found! Other people in my area near Galveston, TX have also seen them, so they have migrated north, I guess!