Similar to the glowworm fireflies, lightning bug fireflies also emit a short distance glow, so the pair have to be relatively close in order to have an enlightening conversation (2). Males and females both are able to emit light and use it as way to communicate and distinguish species specific mate choices. In fact, the most common firefly, lightning bug fireflies, are active at dusk and night. Not all species of fireflies have sex-specific emission abilities or are active at night. (A lightningbug firefly, Image via flickr, CC by 2.0) Males are attracted to the females who emit the brightest light because brightness corresponds to fecundity (4). The glow of these wingless females is only bright enough to attract nearby males, but their pheromone emissions attract more distant males (3). Interestingly, only female glowworm fireflies can emit light, but only males can fly (2). Female Lampyris noctiluca, or glowworm fireflies, emit a constant glow for several nights until they have attracted a male. The ability to identify between different species is more important than you’d think! (A Lampyris noctiluca, glowworm firefly, photo credit to Nevit Dilmen, CC0)Įach species of firefly emits light with different colors, durations, and frequencies. To date, there are over 2000 species of fireflies in the world, and 120 in North America (2). These signals enable the fireflies to distinguish between their own species and other fireflies. On the bright side, fireflies use light signals, or chemical signals, to attract mates (2). ![]() ![]() ![]() In fact, some predators despise the taste of fireflies because they contain poison that is harmful to vertebrates (1). Their luminescence might catch our attention, but that is not enough to attract predators. Who knew that fireflies can actually be a good source of light and an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint! Despite their name, fireflies are actually beetles that shine a bright light for a duration of time (1). Not to fear, there are three solutions to this problem: (a) go inside where there is light (b) carry a flashlight or (c) carry a jar of fireflies. Admit it, some of us are scared of the dark, especially when we are outside.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |