Initially the name “firefly” is pretty ironic; fireflies are not files at all, they are actually beetles and not all of them glow!
There are over 2000 species of fireflies in the planet and a few really cool facts that make these insects fascinating. The coolest one is their ability to flash lights that make summer evenings magical. But the science behind these beetles functioning is even more mind-blowing.
How do fireflies produce light?
Fireflies produce a chemical reaction inside their bodies that allows them to light up. This type of light production is called bioluminescence. When oxygen combines with calcium, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the chemical luciferin in the presence of luciferase, light is produced.
A firefly`s light is “cold light” which means they produce light without producing heat unlike a light bulb which produces a lot of heat in addition to light. This is necessary because if a firefly’s light-producing organ got as hot as a light bulb, the firefly would not survive the experience.
Therefore, fireflies are light geniuses with almost 100% light efficiency. While lightbulbs only have a 10% efficiency, with 90% of the energy being lost as heat.
Fireflies can control the beginning and end of the chemical reaction, and thus the start and stop of its light emission by adding oxygen to the other chemicals needed to produce light. This happens in the insect’s light organ. When oxygen is available, the light organ lights up, and when it is not available, the light goes out.
In addition to pretty little lights which can be orange, yellow or green, some species of fireflies can synchronize their flashing to create a magnificent light show!
What do they use their light for?
These lightning bugs who do glow use their light mainly for two reasons: to attract partners and to communicate to predators that they are distasteful.
Speaking of predators, firefly blood contains a defensive steroid called lucibufagins, which makes them very untasteful. Once predators get a bite, they associate the unpleasant taste with firefly light and avoid attacking the lightning bugs in the future. Smart, isn`t it?
On the other hand, fireflies use their lighting to flirt. Several studies have shown that female fireflies choose mates depending upon specific male flash pattern characteristics. Higher male flash rates, as well as increased flash intensity, have been shown to be more attractive to females in two different firefly species. All about that glow, right?
What do fireflies eat?
Fireflies have really strange diets! While some of them are carnivores who feed on slimy slugs, worms and snails, other do not feed at all during their short lifetimes. Some fireflies fest on pollen and nectar. However, once they grow up, some move on to cannibalism and eat other fireflies.
