Fireflies – alternatively known as lightning bugs in much of the United States – are neither flies nor bugs. They’re soft-winged beetles, related to click beetles and others. The most dramatic aspect of their biology is that they can produce light; this ability in a living organism is called bioluminescence. Fireflies have 170 different identified species. Scientists are still learning about how fireflies function and the different habits of fireflies.
Key Takeaways:
- Fireflies glow because of a chemical produced in their body.
- Fireflies create a chemical that smells so they can defend themselves.
- They live in woodlands and meadows primarily and scientists are still learning more.
“The most dramatic aspect of their biology is that they can produce light; this ability in a living organism, called bioluminescence, is relatively rare.”
Read more: http://theconversation.com/how-fireflies-glow-and-what-signals-theyre-sending-118574
