What are lightning bugs?

_Elsa_

Now Tiffi’s curiosity gets to her and she has to learn more about these cute little bugs.

‘Fireflies and lightning bugs are the same insect and are actually beetles. These insects love moisture and spring to life when rainfall is plentiful. They feed mostly on snail, slugs and insect larvae. Fireflies are fun to watch because they light up. A combination of an enzyme called luciferase reacts with luciferin creating the glow on the abdomen of the firefly. The light is intermittent and it appears that each lightening bug has a unique pattern of lighting. Researchers studying the patterns found indications that suggest the light is used for attracting mates and deterring predators. Because lightning bugs and fireflies do not cause many problems, simply sit back and enjoy the show.’ (Source)

‘Lightning Bugs are winged beetles. Adults are 7/16 to 9/16 inch long, elongate and very soft-bodied, with the pronotum extending forward over the head, resulting in the head being largely or entirely concealed when viewed from above. The pronotum is reddish-yellow with a black spot in the center. Brownish-black wing covers have a light yellowish area entirely around them except in front.

The luminous lower end of a male Firefly's abdomen is yellowish-green, whereas the female has a smaller splotch. It is these "taillight" segments where living light is produced. Eggs secreted in the earth may show a touch of luminescence.

Beneficial Role - Whether you know them as Lightning Bugs or Fireflies, these are beneficial insects. They don't bite, they have no pincers, they don't attack, they don't carry disease, they are not poisonous, they don't even fly very fast. The larvae of most species are specialized predators and feed on other insect larvae, snails and slugs. (They are also reported to feed on earthworms.) Adults of some species are also predatory. Adults of some species are reported as not feeding. 

These wonderful beetles are also helping humans. The Lightning Bug contains luciferin and luciferase, two rare chemicals used in research on cancer, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and heart disease.’ (Source)

Let’s continue - How fireflies glow and what signals they’re sending

Start at the beginning – Tiffi learns all about lightning bugs