Fireflies need a variety of things to be able to survive and glow, including oxygen and food. However, not all species glow, and within certain species, adults may not glow, so it is also depends on the individual firefly. What…
Fireflies produce light within an area of their abdomen known as the ‘lantern’. Here, a chemical reaction takes place by adding oxygen to the already present calcium, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and luciferase enzyme. What is bioluminescence? Bioluminescence is the ability…
Fireflies do not sting or bite, instead, they use their wonderful luminescence to warn potential predators that they are toxic to eat. This tactic is known as warning colouration and is common within the insect world. What is a sting?…
Fireflies are a type of beetle, and like all beetles they start their life as a larva that hatches from an egg. The larvae spend their time hunting tasty slugs and snails until the day they become an adult. What…
Fireflies are toxic to most animals, meaning that despite their visibility in the dark, there aren’t many predators willing to take a bite. However, they are still eaten by lizards, birds and a number of other invertebrates. What are fireflies?…
Fireflies live across much of the world in tropical and temperate regions. Over 2,000 species are found across every continent apart from Antarctica. They can live in a variety of habitats, from woodland to grassland, usually in damp areas. Where…
