Fireflies, also called lightning bugs, are a family of beetle species found on every continent except Antarctica, best known for their ability to produce light through a chemical reaction called bioluminescence, generated in specialized light organs typically located near the tip of the abdomen. Most firefly species use their light in a species-specific flashing pattern to attract mates in the dark, with males typically flying and flashing while females respond from vegetation below, and the larvae of many species are also luminous, sometimes called glowworms, and are effective predators of snails and slugs. Adult fireflies of many species feed little or not at all, focusing their short adult lives on reproduction, and several species have seen population declines linked to light pollution, which disrupts their flash-based mating signals, along with habitat loss and pesticide use.
Facts
Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceSoft-bodied beetles with bioluminescent light organs (photophores) usually on the lower abdomen, producing a cold light with no infrared or ultraviolet frequencies, mainly to attract mates. 1 Scientific NameFamily Lampyridae (more than 2,400 described species) 1 Connections
Sources
1. Firefly (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationWikipedia: Firefly, introduction
The Lampyridae are a family of elateroid beetles with more than 2,400 described species, many of which are light-emitting.
Wikipedia: Firefly, Light and chemical production section
Fireflies produce a "cold light", with no infrared or ultraviolet frequencies.
View the Source Catalogue of Life
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of LifeChild Taxon Of: ColeopteraView the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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