WHAT MAKES A FIREFLY GLOW?

Light production in fireflies is due to a type of chemical reaction called bio luminescence. This process occurs in specialised light-emitting organs, usually on a firefly's lower abdomen. A firefly's bio luminescence is produced by a chemical reaction within its body. Calcium, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the substrate luciferin, and the enzyme luciferase must all be present in the light organ. The introduction of oxygen triggers the reaction between these ingredients, resulting in light energy.

Nitric oxide is the key that opens the door to the light organ, allowing oxygen to enter and initiate the reaction. In the absence of  Nitric oxide, oxygen molecules bind to the mitochondria on the surface of light organ cells, and no light can be produced. When present, nitric oxide binds to the mitochondria instead, allowing the oxygen to enter the organ and generate light.

One reason that fireflies glow is to attract a mate. Males and females of the same species will flash signals back and forth as a way of communicating. Each firefly species has its own particular pattern. For example, the fireflies of one species will fly around in the night sky and dive steeply just as the flash begins and turn upward to make a distinctive J-shaped pattern of light. Female fireflies hang out on a tree branch or in the grass while the males fly around showing off their best flashes. When a female recognizes the flash from a male of the same species, she will answer with her best flash.

Another reason that fireflies glow is to avoid predators. Fireflies are filled with a nasty tasting chemical called lucibufagens, and after a predator gets a mouthful, it quickly learns to associate the firefly's glow with this bad taste! So not only does the flashing help attract a mate, but it also warns predators to stay away.

Having lucibufagens is so important for survival that one species of firefly that can't make this chemical acquires it by eating other species that can make it. They do this by mimicking the flash pattern of another species and luring them in close. The unsuspecting male firefly thinks he is going to find a mate, but instead becomes a tasty treat to the tricky firefly. Talk about a bad date!