Photinus

Photinus is a genus of fireflies within the family Lampyridae. Species in Photinus are native to the Americas and are known for their bioluminescent abdominal lanterns, used in courting displays. The genus includes common species such as Photinus pyralis, the eastern firefly. In many Photinus species, males emit distinctive light flashes to attract females, while females vary in wing development. The life cycle runs from eggs to larvae, pupae, and adults, with larvae often predatory. Photinus fireflies are of interest in studies of bioluminescence and insect behavior and are commonly observed in fields and woodlands during warm summer nights.

Photinus of Sirmium (c. 4th century) was a bishop of Sirmium in Pannonia and the founder of Photinianism, a Christological position considered heretical by the mainstream church. Photinus taught that the Logos, or Word, was a created, subordinate principle rather than co-eternal with the Father, and that Jesus was a man whom God exalted as Son rather than a pre-existent divine being. The movement influenced early debates on the nature of Christ and the Trinity and declined after opposition from other church authorities.