This paper deals with Rhagophthalmidae, one special group of fireflies. Its morp

hol

ogy, taxonomic history and status, and some disputes on its current taxonomic st

atus are reviewed. Its geographical distribution is also summarized. Biology, ma

inly from Rhagophthalmus ohbai, together with authors' field observations, i

s dealt with as well. In addition, advances in embryology and molecular biology

of Rhagophthalmidae are also reviewed.

凹眼萤的发光虫态仅限于幼虫和幼虫型的雌成虫，是一类特殊的萤火虫。文章综述凹眼萤科

的形态特征、分类历史和当前分类地位的争议及其地理分布。以大场凹眼萤为例，结合作者

的野外观察，介绍凹眼萤的生物学习性。简要概述凹眼萤的胚胎学及分子生物学研究概况。