Firefly toxicosis in lizards

Abstract

Ingestion of fireflies of the genus Photinus (Lampyridae) can be lethal to Australian lizards of the genus Pogona (Agamidae), probably because of the poisonous steroidal pyrones (lucibufagins) that these fireflies contain. One Photinus may suffice to kill a Pogona. Captive Pogona kept as pets need to be shielded from firefly ingestion. African chameleons (Chamaeleo; Chamaeleonidae) appear also to be vulnerable to Photinus toxicosis.