Firefly “femmes fatales” acquire defensive steroids (lucibufagins) from their firefly prey

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Abstract
Female fireflies of the genusPhoturis, the so-called firefly “femmes fatales,” prey on male fireflies of the genusPhotinus. The females are able to entrap the males by faking the flash signal characteristics of thePhotinusfemale. We found that by feeding onPhotinusmales,Photurisfemales gain more than nutrients. They also acquire defensive steroidal pyrones called lucibufagins, which are contained inPhotinusbut whichPhoturisfireflies are unable to produce on their own.Photurisfemales that eatPhotinusmales or lucibufagin are rejected byPhidippusjumping spiders. Lucibufagin itself proved to be a deterrent to such spiders. Field-collectedPhoturisfemales contain lucibufagin in varying amounts. The more lucibufagin they contain the more unacceptable they are toPhidippus.