Ever wonder what makes fireflies light up?

Although it is no longer so common to run into a swarm of fireflies roaming around freely, especially in the midst of an urban environment, these charming glowing insects still have some fascination for humans. But where does this little light come from and what is it for?

Although scientists still can't explain why the firefly's glow is intermittent, they have at least understood where the light comes from. Like everything that happens in biological organisms, the light that comes from fireflies also has a scientific explanation - in this case, chemistry!

For fireflies, lighting is the result of the activation of uric acid crystals to form a kind of reflective layer that causes the insect's body to be illuminated. This layer combines oxygen, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an enzyme called luciferase and a pigment known as luciferin.

According to Marc Branham, assistant professor at the University of Florida Department of Entomology and Nematology, the light produced by fireflies is cold, does not result in heat, which justifies the fact that we do not burn when we touch one and ensures the survival of the insect itself. .

Why all this work anyway?

All of this, according to researchers at Harvard Medical School and Tufts University, happens in fireflies from nerve impulses used to expel predators, as some of these chemicals have odors that are harmful to certain animals and humans themselves.

Another motivation considered by those who research these pets is mating - adults shine to catch the attention of other fireflies and start breeding - although this should not be the main reason, since the brightness has been present in the species since when they are still. are in the larva stage.

By the way, it is natural that the motivations are diverse, since fireflies - a species of flying beetle - exist in more than 2, 000 varieties. Among them, not only do the appearance and size of insects change, but also the speed at which they blink, making it easier for different species to communicate, identify and find compatible mates for breeding.

Another interesting detail is that both male and female are equipped with lights, so it is easy to use the flashing and flashing mechanisms to signal future mating.

This is not even as uncommon as you might think. According to Steven Haddock, a scientist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in the United States, bioluminescence as a resource for finding (or driving away) partners, seeking camouflage and attracting prey is used by both terrestrial and marine species. About 90% of the animals that live deep in the ocean, for example, are brilliant!

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