Summer is just around the corner and that means that fireflies are going to be out and about, lighting up the night! But how and why do fireflies glow?
Using unique organs in their abdomens, luciferin-producing chemicals, oxygen, luciferase enzymes, and other substances, fireflies create this light. According to scientists, these insects manage the amount of oxygen that enters the organ that produces light, which is how they control the flashing.
Every species of firefly has their own system in regards to signaling. Males will often take to the night skies and fly at a certain height, ensuring that females can see them and their unique glowing signal. Females will chill out on the ground and just watch for males as they put on a show! When a female sees something she likes, she will give a flash back!
So now when you are out and about this summer and you see a little glow from the ground…just know that it’s a female firefly who may have found a potential mate!