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Fireflies That Go Blink In The NightFireflies. They are as old as the hills and were even around when Men in Fur walked the earth. Kids love to chase them, mesmerized by their twinkling magic. No doubt, these Lighted Buggers are fascinating wonders of nature. Do you know why they twinkle? And...are fireflies flies? The firefly's ability to produce periodic bursts of light has made them one of the favorite critters of the night. Fireflies are actually members of the beetle family. Although they are not really flies they have wings and are excellent fliers.
Their 'bursting of light' is used to attract the opposite sex; the male periodically produces a bright signal in flight and is returned by the female's signal. Next time you are out on a summer night and you are fortunate enough to encounter these exquisite insects, study the intensity of the blinking lights. The male will have a much stronger brightness; the weaker light is the response of the female to the male. Worldwide, there are about 1,000 species ranging in size from 1/5 to 1 inch in length. Fireflies in the United States are generally ½ inch or less. Substances necessary to the production of light emission are the chemicals luciferin and luciferase, produced in the luminous organ located in the end segments of the firefly's body. The chemical process that releases light is quite complex. Take a break from the madness of the 'civilized world' and take a late evening stroll. Perhaps you'll be lucky enough to catch the magic. Just don't chase any off a high hill! Click Here to Return to American Outback |
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