How and Why Do Fireflies Glow? #shorts

Показать описание

👍 Leave a Like & Subscribe for More

How and why do fireflies glow?

The how is well understood. It’s a type of light production called bioluminescence and it’s not unique to fireflies though they may be the most commonly known example of it.

By directing oxygen through a complex series of tubes fireflies are able to control the intensity and speed of their flashing. The oxygen combines with other chemicals in a dedicated light production organ and just like that - there’s light.

Okay - so now for the why…

It seems there are two purposes for the glow.

First in the larvae stage of their lifecycle fireflies use their flashes to communicate “I taste bad” to ward off predators.

The second is related to finding a mate. It’s been observed in at least two species of firefly that males who have more intense and faster flash rates will attract more females.

Do you call them fireflies or lightning bugs? And should I cover the origins of these names in a future video?

#interestingfacts #science