Some call them lightning bugs. Others call them fireflies. These are different names for the insects that light up our summer evenings. But do you know how or why they light up?
Lightning bugs have a special body part where a chemical reaction occurs. When certain chemicals combine, light is produced. Lightning bugs control when the light starts and stops. This allows them to flash in special patterns.
Their flashes warn enemies. They say, “Don’t eat me! I taste bad!” Enemies link the bad taste to their light and avoid them.
The flashing also helps fireflies attract mates. There are many different kinds of fireflies. Each has its own flashing pattern. This helps them identify and attract those of their own kind.
Unfortunately, you might be seeing fewer and fewer fireflies. Some kinds of fireflies are decreasing in number. There are many causes of the decline. Some types of chemicals used by humans to kill pests also kill fireflies. Humans also destroy their habitats when they build roads, homes, and other buildings. But there is another cause that you might not think about. Light made by humans can interfere with firefly mating. This light makes it harder for them to find a mate and reproduce.
What Can You Do? What can you do to help fireflies?
Photo Credit: Anita Patterson Peppers/Shutterstock
