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The firefly, also known affectionately as the "lightning bug," is a nocturnal insect capable of emitting flashes of light. Contrary to popular thought, the firefly is not a bug or fly. The firefly belongs to the beetle family.
CHARACTERISTICS
Fireflies range in size from 1/2-centimeter to 1 inch in length. They have soft shelled bodies, which are flat and brown or black in color. Most fireflies also have orange or yellow markings on their backside or head areas.
Fireflies belong to a group of luminescent North American beetles, which are able to give off light signals by means of chemical reaction. Organs located in the abdomen of the firefly display bright flashes of light, which are used as a means of communication. Fireflies give off light in a rhythmic pattern to attract mates or send a warning signal to others.
SPECIES
There are more than 170 different species of fireflies in the United States. Worldwide, there are more than 1, 900 species in existence today. Fireflies live on every continent in the world, except Antarctica.
Each species of the firefly has different characteristics and abilities. Daytime fireflies, for example, are incapable of producing light at all. Instead, they emit pheromones to attract mates. Some species of female fireflies are wingless, and rely only on their light to attract flying males.
The common North America firefly is most often found in hot, humid regions. Several species of the firefly follows rain patterns, where conditions are optimal for their growth and survival. Large swarms of fireflies can often be found near ponds, streams and marshes.
During daylight hours, the North American firefly sleeps in bushes or on the leaves of low hanging trees.
EATING HABITS
Adult fireflies commonly feast on pollen and nectar. Larvae live in the ground and feed on snails, slugs and similar matter. Firefly larvae are able to detect trails of prey, and follow them until their catch is made. Larvae often survive by injecting a substance into their prey which immobilizes the prey.
REPRODUCTION
Female fireflies produce about 500 eggs per year. The female commonly lays eggs on the underside of leaves during late July. Within ten days, the eggs turn to larva, where they fall to the ground and begin a rapid growth process. Firefly larvae is found in rotting wood or near streams and ponds during nighttime hours.
FIREFLY FACTS
DIFFERENT species of fireflies emit different colors of light. Some produce green flashes, while others emit a reddish-yellow light.
FIREFLIES do not emit light while sleeping.
FIREFLY eggs and larva also glow.
FEMALE FIREFLIES often mimic the behavior of other flies and beetles to trick potential prey into landing close enough to be attacked.
FIREFLIES also give off light during daylight hours.
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