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#Post#: 5255--------------------------------------------------
Bioluminescence
By: AGelbert Date: June 10, 2016, 2:14 pm
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[center][font=georgia]Summer Lightning bug Beauty [img
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Agelbert NOTE: Did you know that Lightning bugs, also called
fireflies, are 100% efficient at transforming energy into light?
And did you know that not all lightning bugs light up?
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[center]12 Fascinating Facts About Fireflies [img
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Katie Pohlman | June 10, 2016 12:38 pm
The flying, twinkling lights of fireflies are a mystical summer
attraction. While lightning bugs are common in nature, there’s a
few things you might not know about them.
Here are 12 fun and interesting facts about nature’s glowing
wonder:
1. They are beetles
The name “firefly” is a little misleading. Fireflies are
nocturnal members of Lampyridae (which in Greek means “to
shine”) a family of winged beetles. But “firebeetles” doesn’t
have the same ring to it. There are more than 2,000 species of
fireflies. And only some of those species have the ability to
light up (see No. 3).
2. Fireflies are just one type of bioluminescent species
Fireflies are probably one of the more popular of these species,
but they’re definitely not alone in their ability to light up.
Most of their bioluminescent peers live in the ocean so people
don’t have as much contact with them. Their light is created by
a chemical reaction during which oxygen combines with calcium,
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and luciferin with the help of the
enzyme luciferase. When they are larvae, fireflies use their
bioluminescence to scare off predators.
3. Not all fireflies have the[b] “fire” [/b]
Fireflies aren’t just abundant in the eastern states, the west
has them as well, they just don’t light up over there. Those who
don’t produce light are usually most active during the day.
Non-bioluminescent fireflies use pheromones to attract mates.
4. Scientists discovered luciferase because of fireflies
When it was first discovered, the only way to obtain the
chemical was to extract it from fireflies themselves.
Eventually, scientists figured out how to create synthetic
luciferase. Some people still collect the enzyme from the flying
lanterns. Luciferase is used in scientific research for food
safety testing and some forensic tests.
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5. Fireflies are energy efficient
Fireflies’ lights are the most efficient lights in the world.
One-hundred percent of the energy created is emitted through the
light. In comparison, an incandescent bulb emits 10 percent of
its energy as light and a fluorescent bulb emits 90 percent of
its energy through light. Fireflies’ efficiency is partly do to
luciferin’s heat resistant properties.
6. Their light shows are mating acts
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Most of the fireflies flying around are males looking for a
mate. Each species has a specific light pattern that they use to
communicate with each other. Once a female spots a male she
likes, she will respond with the same light pattern. Usually
females are perched on plants, waiting for a mate.
7. Some species synchronize their flashing
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Scientists aren’t sure why fireflies do this, but some theories
include competition or to make them more noticeable. If a bunch
of male fireflies are flashing the pattern at the same time,
they are more likely to attract females. The only species of
fireflies in America that do this are the Photinus carolinus.
They live in the Great Smoky Mountains and the U.S. National
Park Service organizes watch parties for the shows.
8. Not all firefly light looks the same
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Each species has their own specific color of light they produce.
Some glow blue or green while others glow orange or yellow.
9. They taste disgusting :P
Unlike cicadas, these summer bugs should not be cooked, baked or
grilled. If you do try to eat a firefly, it will probably taste
bitter. The beetles can even be poisonous to some animals. When
fireflies are attacked, they shed drops of blood. The blood
contains chemicals that create the bitter taste and poison. Most
animals have learned this and avoid munching on fireflies.
10. Fireflies sometimes practice cannibalism
When fireflies are still in the larvae stage, they snack on
snails. Usually as they mature, they move away from meat.
Scientists believe adult fireflies live off of nectar and pollen
or they don’t eat at all. But others, especially the Photuris
fireflies enjoy their own kind. Photuris females often eat males
of other genera. They attract the unsuspecting males by
mimicking their light pattern.
11. Their numbers are declining [img
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There are several reasons why firefly populations are declining,
including climate change and the harvesting of luciferase from
them (see No. 4), light pollution and habitat destruction. When
firefly habitats are destroyed for roads or other construction,
they don’t migrate to a new spot, they simply disappear.
12. Enjoying the light show in your yard can help scientists
Your observations can help scientists learn more about fireflies
and why they’re disappearing. Enjoy the show and help save the
insect at the same time. [img
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#Post#: 5257--------------------------------------------------
Re: Bioluminescence
By: AGelbert Date: June 10, 2016, 6:10 pm
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[quote author=jdwheeler42 link=topic=559.msg105508#msg105508
date=1465592146]
[center]#13 The firefly, Photuris pensylvanica De Geer, is the
state insect of Pennsylvania :icon_sunny: (Title 71 Chapter 6
Section 1010).[/center]
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Now that is one pretty lightning bug.
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