![]() Cathy Keifer/įireflies produce light in special organs in their abdomens by combining a chemical called luciferin, enzymes called luciferases, oxygen and the fuel for cellular work, ATP. Bioluminescent beetlesĪ chemical reaction in the beetle’s abdomen gives it its bioluminescence. Fireflies are found widely across North America, including many places in the west, but they are most abundant and diverse in the eastern half of the continent, from Florida to southern Canada. Recently, I’ve been trying to understand the diversity and ecology of fireflies in my home state of North Carolina. I’m an entomologist who does research on, and teaches about, the ecology and biology of insects. The most dramatic aspect of their biology is that they can produce light this ability in a living organism, called bioluminescence, is relatively rare. They’re soft-winged beetles, related to click beetles and others. If you are in good firefly habitat, soon there are dozens, or even hundreds, of the insects flying about, flashing their mysterious signals.įireflies – alternatively known as lightning bugs in much of the United States – are neither flies nor bugs. But you stare in the direction of the flicker of light and there it is again – the first firefly of the evening. Scientists are working on ways to better track and protect these insects.You might not really be sure you saw what you think you saw when the first one shows up. Plus an adult firefly's life span is just one to three weeks, which makes counting them difficult. ![]() Scientists aren’t sure how much the firefly population has dropped since their small size makes them hard to tag and track. For fireflies, light pollution interferes with their attempts to signal each other. Too much nighttime light can be harmful to wildlife, affecting their migration patterns and hunting abilities. Pesticide use and loss of habitat have likely impacted the population, as has light pollution. In recent years, fewer of the insects have been spotted during the summer. LIGHTS OUT?įireflies aren’t endangered, but scientists are worried about them. Their flashing is a warning light to predators to stay away. That’s because fireflies release drops of toxic, foul-tasting blood. Although they can easily spot fireflies by their glow, they rarely eat them. Predators, such as birds or toads, get a different message from these lights. (Most female fireflies can’t fly.) She answers his flashes by turning on her lights. Once he’s near the ground, a female can more easily tell if he’s from the same species as she is. When a male firefly wants to communicate with a female firefly, he flies near the ground while he flashes his light every six seconds. ![]() They use this light, called bioluminescence, to light up the ends of their abdomen.Įach firefly species has its own unique flashing pattern. Inside special cells, they combine the oxygen with a substance called luciferin to make light with almost no heat. They have special organs under their abdomens that take in oxygen. YOU GLOW, GUYSįireflies mostly use their light to “talk” to other fireflies and find a mate. Firefly larvae-recently hatched worm-like fireflies that haven’t fully developed yet (including their wings)-feed on worms, snails, and insects. These insects often live in humid regions of Asia and the Americas, where they mostly feast on plant pollen and nectar. (Animals that produce light are called luminescent.) That’s different from other light-producing insects of the same family, called glowworms. Also known as lightning bugs, fireflies are beetles.
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