Discussion
Kusaoke et al. (8) followed Ohba’s criteria (small morph, body length 5
to 6 mm, below 800 m altitude) (7) and suggested the possibility that
almost all the specimens collected by Mitsuishi (3–6) may belong to the
large morph. However, the present article confirmed the existence of
the two morphs showing
discontinuous allometric scaling relationship.
Kusaoke et al. (8) found no
genetic difference between the two morphs at Mt. Daisen, Tottori
Prefecture. Moreover, Suzuki (9) and Hiyori et al. (10) reported no
genetic difference between them in Nagano Prefecture where Mitsuishi
(3–6) collected the specimens. Therefore, in L . parvula ,
the difference in allometry between the two morphs with genetic
similarity may be connected with the morphological plasticity of this
species.
There are few studies on intrasexual dimorphism in lampyrid species
except for Wu et al. (15), who
documented two distinct male
morphs with different mating strategies in Absconditacerata (previously named Luciola cerata ) in Taiwan.
Further detailed molecular phylogenetic and morphological studies will
be necessary to confirm the male dimorphism of L . parvulathroughout Japan.
In conclusion, the present article strongly recommends that allometric
analysis should be used to identify the two morphs in this species in
future studies.