Lantern Beetles are quadrupedal insects that have evolved from hexapods. Their rearmost pair of legs having adapted into raptorial claws are used used for hunting smaller insects.

In addition to walking, their four remaining limbs are capable of powerful, near vertical leaps. Once in the air, they can inflate their large bellies, suspending them in place. This increases their size dramatically and serves as an excellent deterrent to larger predators. When airborne, they use a pair of small wings to navigate, searching for insects to consume.

The Lantern Beetles’ bioluminescent skin emits a gentle purple light. This color plays an important part in their mating ritual, in which a cluster of Lantern Beetles float amongst one another. Unlike many mating rituals, this one is not a competition. Instead, it is about finding a pairing to individual taste. This suitability is determined by studying minor differences in the color of the Lantern Beetle’s luminescence, assessing tone, vibrancy, and hue to find the perfect partner. These differences are so miniscule that they are invisible to both Na’vi and human eyes.