What Do You Know About Fireflies?

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First of all, fireflies are what we called “lightning bugs” when I was a child. We used to catch them and put them in jars and then eventually let them go. I wondered about them recently and did a little research. What makes the fireflies light up? I found out that the light comes from chemicals mixed in their abdomen. Luciferin, is a chemical that is named after the Latin words “lux” or “light” and “ferre” which means “to carry.” The glow that is created doesn’t produce heat, so it is called “cold light.” This glow is also produced during the day but isn’t bright enough to see in daylight. The part of the fireflies body that glows makes up about half of the fireflies weight. The fireflies that you see flying around are males. Females are usually on the ground. I found this rather odd, but if a flashing male “catches a female’s eye,” she flashes back and he will fly down to her. If she likes him, they will mate, and if not, she will have him for dinner. Ouch! It has been reported that sometimes, if these illuminated bugs flash in a synchronized pattern and you use a flashlight and give them signals, they will match the flashes you make perfectly. Do you have fireflies where you live? Picture by Pixabay