Firefly - research for energy

Fireflies (Lampyridae) are familiar, but few realize that these insects are actually beetles, nocturnal members of the family Lampyridae. Most fireflies are winged, which distinguishes them from other luminescent insects of the same family, commonly known as glowworms.

There are about 2,000 firefly species. These insects live in a variety of warm environments, as well as in more temperate regions, and are a familiar sight on summer evenings. Fireflies love moisture and often live in humid regions of Asia and the Americas. In drier areas, they are found around wet or damp areas that retain moisture.

What do adult firefly eat?

1. The larvae of most species are specialized predators and feed on other larvae, terrestrial snails, and slugs.
2. The diet of adults is variable. It has been reported that some are predatory, while others find food on plant pollen and sometimes nectar.

How do firefly produce light?

Light production in fireflies is due to a type of chemical reaction called bioluminescence is known as "cold light" because it emits almost no heat. Fireflies (or lightning bugs) produce light via a chemical reaction when oxygen, breathed in through their abdominal trachea, combines with a substance called luciferin in the presence of the enzyme luciferase, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in special cells called podocytes. When these components are added, light is produced.

Bioluminescence is a very efficient process. Almost 100% of a Firefly's luminescence light is given off as light. By comparison, a normal electric light bulb gives off only 10% of its energy as light, while 90% is wasted entirely as heat.

Photo gallery of firefly