MadSci Network: Zoology
Query:

Re: How come fire flys show light what is the reason behind it

Date: Sun Feb 21 09:16:49 1999
Posted By: Mark Sheler, Secondary School Teacher, Biology, Physics, Sandusky Community Schools
Area of science: Zoology
ID: 919487266.Zo
Message:

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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