![]() The males fly around and flash a signal unique to their kind, and the females watch for males. Entomologists think they control their flashing by regulating how much oxygen goes to their light-producing organs.įireflies use that blinking to find mates but it may have evolved as a way to ward off predators. The light comes from special organs in their abdomens that combine the luciferin with oxygen. What everyone knows them for is that they can produce light and this ability in a living organism is called bioluminescence and it is relatively rare.īirds and other predators quickly learn to avoid them because many species of fireflies protect themselves from predators with chemicals called lucibufagins which are toxic in the right doses, but also extremely distasteful. ![]() But it is disruptions in their habitat while they are young - such as construction - that can extinguish an entire population.įireflies or lightning bugs aren't flies or bugs. The threats to them are the development of wetlands and insecticide spraying that is meant to target mosquitoes. There are at least 125 species of fireflies in the United States, but none are protected by the Endangered Species Act. I'm seeing fewer in my suburban Jersey backyard. Perhaps you are still are lucky enough to see them at night. They might have been an insect that you capture in a jar. I'm sure many New Jersey residents have childhood memories of fireflies. You might see some tonight in your backyard, but they are more likely found in greater numbers in wetland habitats. I read this past week that fireflies - lightning bugs to many of us - are a threatened species these days.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |