Firefly

“The firefly is a family of light-emitting insects. They produce light through a chemical reaction of oxygen, calcium, energy, and a light-emitting molecule called luciferin.“

Fireflies are some of the most popular and beloved insects in the world. Basically, all firefly larvae can produce light, but many species lose this ability in adulthood. Only a small number of firefly species light up the night sky with their bioluminescent ability.

Bioluminescence means they can produce their light via a chemical reaction. Nearly all of the energy in this reaction is transformed into light, which makes fireflies one of the most efficient sources of light in the world. This article will cover some interesting facts about the habitat, diet, lifespan, and appearance of these glowing insects.

Species, Types, and Scientific Names

The scientific name for the firefly family is Lampyridae. The name is derived from the Latin term lampyris, which roughly translates to mean glowworm (even though glowworm refers exclusively to a firefly larva or wingless adult). There are many different types of fireflies, encompassing some 2,000 documented species. About 150 of them live in the United States and Canada alone.

Here are some of the most common subspecies:

• Lampyris noctiluca
• Luciola
• Nipponoluciola cruciata
• Luciola lateralis
• Common eastern firefly
• Photuris
• Lampyris
• Pteroptyx
• Lampyrinae
• Luciolinae
• Pyractomena
• Phausis reticulata
• Winter firefly
• Abscondita
• Aspisoma
• Inflata
• Microphotus
• Pleotomus
• Cyphonocerinae
• Amydetinae
• Psilocladinae
• Brachylampis

Evolution and Origins

Fireflies, an ancient group of insects, trace their origins back over 100 million years to a common ancestor of the two main lineages. However, fireflies are not the sole luminous insects in nature. There are also certain click beetles that possess the fascinating ability of bioluminescence, emitting light in a similar manner to fireflies.

Based on our research findings, we suggest that during the mid-Cretaceous forest, the common ancestor of fireflies underwent an evolutionary process.

This process involved the trade-off of its original function, which was most likely an aposematic warning display against nocturnal predation. As a result of this trade-off, the fireflies developed green light luciferase as a new adaptation.

Appearance

The firefly is a type of soft-bodied beetle that generally ranges widely in size and appearance. Most species are characterized by long, cylindrical bodies, often sporting black or brown colors with yellow or red markings.

They have a pair of wings hidden beneath the hard shell cover, but in some species, the female is completely flightless and resembles the larval form. One such flightless female holds the record for the largest type of firefly in the world. It can easily reach the size of a human palm. However, most species are no more than one or two centimeters long.

Fireflies create light for all kinds of different reasons: some are looking for mates, others are attempting to lure in prey, and yet others just want to warn away predators. The reasons can change depending on species and life stages. The cold light (which produces very little heat) is normally emitted from an organ near the end of the abdomen.

Colors can come in yellow, orange, or green, and each species generally has its unique flashing pattern, which can be synchronized to communicate in groups. One of the most interesting facts is that many species lose their bioluminescence as an adult; they are active during the day and use chemical pheromones instead of light to communicate with potential mates.

Before the firefly insect transforms into an adult, it passes through a few different life stages. The larva is the most common and longest-living of these stages. It has a long, segmented body, simple eyes, and no wings. The upper segments look a bit like overlapping plates; they are long and flat, extending over the sides of the bug. When it’s ready to transform, the larva forms a large cocoon that encases the entire body.

Habitat

Lightning bugs are present all over the world except for the most extreme environments. They can be found most often populating forests, fields, meadows, and grasslands.

Adults are most active in the summer months and spend the winter in a state of reduced activity. Many firefly insects come out at night, but non-glowing species are active during the day.

Firefly populations are very healthy and widespread all over the globe. However, there is some evidence to suggest that firefly populations are on the decline. The cause might be related to light pollution, habitat loss, and pesticide use.

Once an area has been cleared of its natural habitat, that firefly population may be gone for good. It does not simply move to a new area.

Diet

The firefly does most of its feeding as a larva. When it transforms into an adult, its feeding patterns completely change. However, there are some facts about the firefly’s feeding behavior we still don’t understand.

For a complete analysis of what fireflies eat, make sure to read our comprehensive guide ‘What Do Fireflies Eat?‘

What eats the firefly?

Fireflies are preyed upon by numerous other insects, reptiles, birds, and small mammals. However, most firefly species leave a very bad taste in the mouth. Some can even cause temporary sickness when consumed. This will usually dissuade most predators from attacking them.

What does the firefly eat?

Firefly larvae are completely carnivorous. They feed on snails, worms, and other insects. Some of them can inject a digestive substance directly into the prey that liquefies their organs. By the time they reach adulthood, they switch to an herbivorous lifestyle, feeding on the nectar and pollen; they may even help fertilize plants by spreading pollen from one flower to another.

However, there are notable exceptions. A few types of so-called “femme fatale fireflies” mimic the signaling pattern of another firefly species in an attempt to lure the male and then consume him. Some adult fireflies do not eat at all before they die.

Prevention

Fireflies do not generally cause harm to anyone; it’s best to just leave them alone. However, if the fireflies are bothering you in some manner, then you should remove them from your property in an ethical manner by capturing and then releasing them. Sprays or insecticides should never be used.

1. Smithsonian magazine, Available here: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/14-fun-facts-about-fireflies-142999290/
2. The National Wildlife Federation, Available here: https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Fireflies
3. ThoughtCo., Available here: https://www.thoughtco.com/life-cycle-fireflies-lightning-bugs-1968137