MadSci Network: Zoology |
Fireflies are a unique and interesting insects. They give off this light because of certain chemicles inside them that combine. When these chemicals combine they produce photons- or light energy. The light can be seen for sometimes miles away. This phenomenom is found in certain sea creatures as well. A lot of animals that live where there is no sunlight or come out at night produce this "bioluminescence" (light from living things). Only certain chemicals can produce this light. What is interesting about this luminescence is that it is used to attract members of the opposite sex in fireflies. This is their way of "talking" to their fellow mates. Perhaps if we did all of our living at night, we would glow too.
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