Animals - Animal types and traits - Fireflies - Insects - Animal behavior
Why do fireflies glow?
Correct!
The glow of fireflies is bioluminescence, i.e. light that a living creature produces itself. It is created by a chemical reaction in special light organs on the abdomen and is produced with very little heat. In many species, blinking is primarily used to find a partner: males emit species-specific light patterns that females can respond to. In larvae it can also serve as a warning signal to predators. In some species, numerous males coordinate their flashing signals with one another.
Artificial light can affect fireflies' warning signals and mate search.
