What are Fireflies?

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.