Researchers recently identified the key transcription factors that regulate the development of light organs and bioluminescence in the firefly.
About Fireflies:
Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, are beetles. They get the names “firefly” and “lightning bug” because of the flashes of light they naturally produce. This phenomenon is called bioluminescence.
There are about 2,000 firefly species. They are found in temperate and tropical regions on every continent except Antarctica.
Features:
They are soft-bodied beetles that range from 5 to 25 mm (up to 1 inch) in length.
Fireflies use their light, called bioluminescence, to light up the ends of their abdomen to communicate with their fellow fireflies. (Animals that produce light are called luminescent).
They have special organs under their abdomens that take in oxygen. Inside special cells, they combine the oxygen with a substance called luciferin to make light with almost no heat.
Each firefly species has its own pattern of light flashing and males use this pattern to attract females of the same species.
Bioluminescence in fireflies is nearly 100 percent efficient, meaning little energy is wasted to produce their light.
From egg to adulthood, fireflies can live up to a year. Most fireflies are nocturnal, although some species are diurnal. They mostly feast on plant pollen and nectar.
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