Difference between revisions of "Firefly" - New World Encyclopedia
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Fireflies tend to be soft-bodied, often with the [[elytra]] more leathery than in other beetles. They are small to medium sized, and some are colourful. Though the females of some species are similar in appearance to males, [[larviform female]]s are found in many other firefly species. These females can often only be distinguished from the larvae because they have [[compound eye]]s. | Fireflies tend to be soft-bodied, often with the [[elytra]] more leathery than in other beetles. They are small to medium sized, and some are colourful. Though the females of some species are similar in appearance to males, [[larviform female]]s are found in many other firefly species. These females can often only be distinguished from the larvae because they have [[compound eye]]s. | ||
| − | The most commonly known fireflies are [[wiktionary:nocturnal|nocturnal]], though there are numerous species that are [[wiktionary:diurnal|diurnal]]. Most diurnal species are non-luminescent and use pheromones to find mates. Some day-flying species that remain in shadowy areas, such as ''Lucidota'' spp., do produce light. Some species glow light instead of flashing light. There are three main genera of fireflies in North America: ''Photinus'', ''Photuris'' and ''Practomena''. They are distinguished by subtle morphological differences. Fireflies can recognize their own species and the sex of another firefly by species-specific flash patterns (variations in pulse rate, duration and number of pulses) | + | The most commonly known fireflies are [[wiktionary:nocturnal|nocturnal]], though there are numerous species that are [[wiktionary:diurnal|diurnal]]. Most diurnal species are non-luminescent and use pheromones to find mates. Some day-flying species that remain in shadowy areas, such as ''Lucidota'' spp., do produce light. Some species glow light instead of flashing light. There are three main genera of fireflies in North America: ''Photinus'', ''Photuris'' and ''Practomena''. They are distinguished by subtle morphological differences. Fireflies can recognize their own species and the sex of another firefly by species-specific flash patterns (variations in pulse rate, duration and number of pulses) [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1134/is_6_112/ai_105371466/pg_5]. |
| − | The life cycle of most firefly species takes two years. A few days after mating, which occurs in the spring, a female lays her fertilized eggs on or just below the surface of the ground. The eggs hatch 3-4 weeks later and the larva feed until the end of the summer | + | The life cycle of most firefly species takes two years. A few days after mating, which occurs in the spring, a female lays her fertilized eggs on or just below the surface of the ground. The eggs hatch 3-4 weeks later and the larva feed until the end of the summer [http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/bimg153.html]. In the United States, fireflies may persist in the larvae stage for 1-3 years [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1134/is_6_112/ai_105371466/pg_5]. The larvae are commonly called [[glowworm]]s, not to be confused with the distinct beetle family [[Phengodidae]]. Lampyrid larvae have simple eyes. |
| − | Fireflies [[overwintering in insects|overwinter]] (some species for several years) during the larval stage. Some do this by burrowing underground, while others find places on or under the bark of trees. They emerge as adults in the spring; after several weeks of feeding, they [[pupa]]te for 1 to 2.5 weeks and emerge as adults. The adult firefly's life span lasts only a few weeks, during which reproduction is their main goal. This makes fireflies an excellent subject for studying sexual selection | + | Fireflies [[overwintering in insects|overwinter]] (some species for several years) during the larval stage. Some do this by burrowing underground, while others find places on or under the bark of trees. They emerge as adults in the spring; after several weeks of feeding, they [[pupa]]te for 1 to 2.5 weeks and emerge as adults. The adult firefly's life span lasts only a few weeks, during which reproduction is their main goal. This makes fireflies an excellent subject for studying sexual selection [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1134/is_6_112/ai_105371466/pg_5]. |
| − | The larvae of most species are specialized predators and feed on other larvae, small insects, [[earthworm]]s, terrestrial [[snail]]s, and [[slug]]s | + | The larvae of most species are specialized predators and feed on other larvae, small insects, [[earthworm]]s, terrestrial [[snail]]s, and [[slug]]s [http://insects.edu/fieldguide/bimg153.html]. Some are so specialized that they have grooved [[mandible (insect)|mandibles]], which deliver toxic digestive fluids directly into their prey before sucking out the liquefied body contents [http://insects.edu/fieldguide/bimg153.html]. The diet of adults is variable. It has been reported that some are predatory and some feed on plant [[pollen]] or [[nectar]]. |
==Light production== | ==Light production== | ||
| − | The process of light production in fireflies is called [[bioluminescence]]. The light production in fireflies occurs in the Firefly latern, located on a stippled area on their abdomen | + | The process of light production in fireflies is called [[bioluminescence]]. The light production in fireflies occurs in the Firefly latern, located on a stippled area on their abdomen [http://ase.tufts.edu/biology/Firefly/]. |
| − | Many species use their species-specific flash pattern to court mates. In the ''Photinus'' species, males fly above the ground, emitting flash patterns to attract females. The females sit below watching the males and respond with their own flashes of light | + | Many species use their species-specific flash pattern to court mates. In the ''Photinus'' species, males fly above the ground, emitting flash patterns to attract females. The females sit below watching the males and respond with their own flashes of light [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1134/is_6_112/ai_105371466/pg_5]. Female ''[[Photuris (genus)|Photuris]]'' fireflies are known for spying on and mimicking the mating flashes of other fireflies (such as ''Photinus'') for the sole purpose of [[predator | predation]][http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/Entomology/courses/en507/papers_1997/stous.html]. |
Tropical fireflies, particularly in Southeast Asia ([[Thailand]] and [[Malaysia]]) routinely synchronize their flashes among large groups, a startling example of spontaneous biological order. This phenomenon occurs through the night along river banks in the Malaysian jungles every day of the year. It is significantly more rare in the [[Western hemisphere]]. Current hypotheses about the causes range from diet, social interaction and altitude. In the [[United States]], one of the most famous sightings of fireflies blinking in unison occur near [[Elkmont, Tennessee]] in the [[Great Smoky Mountains]] during the second week of June[http://www.nps.gov/grsm/pphtml/newsdetail18318.html]. [[Congaree National Park]] in [[South Carolina]] is host to the phenomenon at points at or above 2,000 feet in elevation[http://www.npca.org/magazine/2004/spring/mysteries.asp][http://www.seacoastonline.com/2004news/05232004/travel/17745.htm]. | Tropical fireflies, particularly in Southeast Asia ([[Thailand]] and [[Malaysia]]) routinely synchronize their flashes among large groups, a startling example of spontaneous biological order. This phenomenon occurs through the night along river banks in the Malaysian jungles every day of the year. It is significantly more rare in the [[Western hemisphere]]. Current hypotheses about the causes range from diet, social interaction and altitude. In the [[United States]], one of the most famous sightings of fireflies blinking in unison occur near [[Elkmont, Tennessee]] in the [[Great Smoky Mountains]] during the second week of June[http://www.nps.gov/grsm/pphtml/newsdetail18318.html]. [[Congaree National Park]] in [[South Carolina]] is host to the phenomenon at points at or above 2,000 feet in elevation[http://www.npca.org/magazine/2004/spring/mysteries.asp][http://www.seacoastonline.com/2004news/05232004/travel/17745.htm]. | ||
[[Image:Leuchtkäfer - Firefly.JPG|thumb|left|firefly larva]] | [[Image:Leuchtkäfer - Firefly.JPG|thumb|left|firefly larva]] | ||
| − | Some fireflies do not glow as adults, but all glow as [[larva]]e. Bioluminescence serves a different function in lampyrid larvae than it does in adults. It appears to be a warning signal to [[predator]]s, since many firefly larvae contain chemicals that are distasteful or toxic, due to defensive steriods they produce in their bodies | + | Some fireflies do not glow as adults, but all glow as [[larva]]e. Bioluminescence serves a different function in lampyrid larvae than it does in adults. It appears to be a warning signal to [[predator]]s, since many firefly larvae contain chemicals that are distasteful or toxic, due to defensive steriods they produce in their bodies [http://www.sciam.com/askexpert_question.cfm?articleID=0005CA60-2E6D-1316-A24383414B7F4945&catID=3&topicID=3]. |
| − | Light production in fireflies is due to a chemical reaction that occurs in specialized light organs, usually on the lower abdomen. The reaction that produces light occurs in specialized cells called photocytes. In these photocytes, when [[oxygen]] combines with [[calcium]], [[ATP | adenosine triphosphate]] and the [[enzyme]] [[luciferase]] acts on the [[substrate (biochemistry)|substrate]] [[luciferin]] to stimulate [[light emission]] | + | Light production in fireflies is due to a chemical reaction that occurs in specialized light organs, usually on the lower abdomen. The reaction that produces light occurs in specialized cells called photocytes. In these photocytes, when [[oxygen]] combines with [[calcium]], [[ATP | adenosine triphosphate]] and the [[enzyme]] [[luciferase]] acts on the [[substrate (biochemistry)|substrate]] [[luciferin]] to stimulate [[light emission]] [http://www.sciam.com/askexpert_question.cfm?articleID=0005CA60-2E6D-1316-A24383414B7F4945&catID=3&topicID=3]. This reaction can only occur in the presence of [[oxygen]] [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1134/is_6_112/ai_105371466/pg_5]. [[Nitric oxide]] plays a large role in generating light production because it can inhibit oxygen consumption in [[mitochondria]]. In fireflies, the release of nitric oxide inhibits mitochondria from using oxygen, thus the oxygen is used in producing light instead [http://ase.tufts.edu/biology/Firefly/]. This reaction is of scientific interest, and [[gene]]s coding for these substances have been [[gene splicing | spliced]] into many different organisms. |
==Fireflies and humans== | ==Fireflies and humans== | ||
| − | The ancient [[China|Chinese]] sometimes captured fireflies in transparent or semi-transparent containers and used them as (short-term) [[lantern]]s. They are revered in [[Japan]] and in Japanese poetry, a firefly is a common metaphor for love | + | The ancient [[China|Chinese]] sometimes captured fireflies in transparent or semi-transparent containers and used them as (short-term) [[lantern]]s. They are revered in [[Japan]] and in Japanese poetry, a firefly is a common metaphor for love [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1134/is_6_112/ai_105371466/pg_5]. |
The firefly is the state insect of [[Pennsylvania]]. At one point, [[Indiana]] seriously considered making the Say's Firefly the state insect, but the legislature never put the measure to a vote. | The firefly is the state insect of [[Pennsylvania]]. At one point, [[Indiana]] seriously considered making the Say's Firefly the state insect, but the legislature never put the measure to a vote. | ||
| − | [[Photopollution]] endangers fireflies because they depend on low-light backgrounds for their flash pattern based courtship to occur. With manmade light polluting the night sky, breeding amongst fireflies is reduced | + | [[Photopollution]] endangers fireflies because they depend on low-light backgrounds for their flash pattern based courtship to occur. With manmade light polluting the night sky, breeding amongst fireflies is reduced [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1134/is_6_112/ai_105371466/pg_5]. |
==References== | ==References== | ||
* http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi | * http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi | ||
* http://www.iisc.ernet.in/academy/resonance/Sept2002/pdf/Sept2002p49-55.pdf | * http://www.iisc.ernet.in/academy/resonance/Sept2002/pdf/Sept2002p49-55.pdf | ||
| + | * http://ase.tufts.edu/biology/Firefly | ||
| + | * http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/bimg153.html | ||
* Branham, M. A., and J. W. Wenzel. 2003. The origin of photic behavior and the evolution of sexual communication in fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). ''Cladistics'' 19: 1-22. | * Branham, M. A., and J. W. Wenzel. 2003. The origin of photic behavior and the evolution of sexual communication in fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). ''Cladistics'' 19: 1-22. | ||
| + | * Lewis, Sara. 2003. Summer flings: firefly courtship, sex, and death. "Natural HIstory" July/August: 44-49. | ||
| + | * Rice, G. "How and why do fireflies light up?". Ask the Experts, 2005. Scientific American. 5 Sept. 2005 <http://www.sciam.com/askexpert_question.cfm?articleID=0005CA60-2E6D-1316-A24383414B7F4945&catID=3&topicID=3> | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
Revision as of 22:15, 23 October 2006
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 Lampyris noctiluca | ||||||||||||||||
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Curtos |
Fireflies ( family Lampyridae), also called lightning bugs, are luminous beetles. These names come from the fact that the adults of some species as emit flashes of light to attract mates for sexual reproduction, using special light-emitting organs in the abdomen.
There are more than 2000 species of firefly, found in temperate and tropical environments around the world. Most fireflies in the United States are found east of the Rocky Mountains.
Biology
Fireflies tend to be soft-bodied, often with the elytra more leathery than in other beetles. They are small to medium sized, and some are colourful. Though the females of some species are similar in appearance to males, larviform females are found in many other firefly species. These females can often only be distinguished from the larvae because they have compound eyes.
The most commonly known fireflies are nocturnal, though there are numerous species that are diurnal. Most diurnal species are non-luminescent and use pheromones to find mates. Some day-flying species that remain in shadowy areas, such as Lucidota spp., do produce light. Some species glow light instead of flashing light. There are three main genera of fireflies in North America: Photinus, Photuris and Practomena. They are distinguished by subtle morphological differences. Fireflies can recognize their own species and the sex of another firefly by species-specific flash patterns (variations in pulse rate, duration and number of pulses) [1].
The life cycle of most firefly species takes two years. A few days after mating, which occurs in the spring, a female lays her fertilized eggs on or just below the surface of the ground. The eggs hatch 3-4 weeks later and the larva feed until the end of the summer [2]. In the United States, fireflies may persist in the larvae stage for 1-3 years [3]. The larvae are commonly called glowworms, not to be confused with the distinct beetle family Phengodidae. Lampyrid larvae have simple eyes.
Fireflies overwinter (some species for several years) during the larval stage. Some do this by burrowing underground, while others find places on or under the bark of trees. They emerge as adults in the spring; after several weeks of feeding, they pupate for 1 to 2.5 weeks and emerge as adults. The adult firefly's life span lasts only a few weeks, during which reproduction is their main goal. This makes fireflies an excellent subject for studying sexual selection [4].
The larvae of most species are specialized predators and feed on other larvae, small insects, earthworms, terrestrial snails, and slugs [5]. Some are so specialized that they have grooved mandibles, which deliver toxic digestive fluids directly into their prey before sucking out the liquefied body contents [6]. The diet of adults is variable. It has been reported that some are predatory and some feed on plant pollen or nectar.
Light production
The process of light production in fireflies is called bioluminescence. The light production in fireflies occurs in the Firefly latern, located on a stippled area on their abdomen [7].
Many species use their species-specific flash pattern to court mates. In the Photinus species, males fly above the ground, emitting flash patterns to attract females. The females sit below watching the males and respond with their own flashes of light [8]. Female Photuris fireflies are known for spying on and mimicking the mating flashes of other fireflies (such as Photinus) for the sole purpose of predation[9].
Tropical fireflies, particularly in Southeast Asia (Thailand and Malaysia) routinely synchronize their flashes among large groups, a startling example of spontaneous biological order. This phenomenon occurs through the night along river banks in the Malaysian jungles every day of the year. It is significantly more rare in the Western hemisphere. Current hypotheses about the causes range from diet, social interaction and altitude. In the United States, one of the most famous sightings of fireflies blinking in unison occur near Elkmont, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains during the second week of June[10]. Congaree National Park in South Carolina is host to the phenomenon at points at or above 2,000 feet in elevation[11][12].
Some fireflies do not glow as adults, but all glow as larvae. Bioluminescence serves a different function in lampyrid larvae than it does in adults. It appears to be a warning signal to predators, since many firefly larvae contain chemicals that are distasteful or toxic, due to defensive steriods they produce in their bodies [13].
Light production in fireflies is due to a chemical reaction that occurs in specialized light organs, usually on the lower abdomen. The reaction that produces light occurs in specialized cells called photocytes. In these photocytes, when oxygen combines with calcium, adenosine triphosphate and the enzyme luciferase acts on the substrate luciferin to stimulate light emission [14]. This reaction can only occur in the presence of oxygen [15]. Nitric oxide plays a large role in generating light production because it can inhibit oxygen consumption in mitochondria. In fireflies, the release of nitric oxide inhibits mitochondria from using oxygen, thus the oxygen is used in producing light instead [16]. This reaction is of scientific interest, and genes coding for these substances have been spliced into many different organisms.
Fireflies and humans
The ancient Chinese sometimes captured fireflies in transparent or semi-transparent containers and used them as (short-term) lanterns. They are revered in Japan and in Japanese poetry, a firefly is a common metaphor for love [17].
The firefly is the state insect of Pennsylvania. At one point, Indiana seriously considered making the Say's Firefly the state insect, but the legislature never put the measure to a vote.
Photopollution endangers fireflies because they depend on low-light backgrounds for their flash pattern based courtship to occur. With manmade light polluting the night sky, breeding amongst fireflies is reduced [18].
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi
- http://www.iisc.ernet.in/academy/resonance/Sept2002/pdf/Sept2002p49-55.pdf
- http://ase.tufts.edu/biology/Firefly
- http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/bimg153.html
- Branham, M. A., and J. W. Wenzel. 2003. The origin of photic behavior and the evolution of sexual communication in fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). Cladistics 19: 1-22.
- Lewis, Sara. 2003. Summer flings: firefly courtship, sex, and death. "Natural HIstory" July/August: 44-49.
- Rice, G. "How and why do fireflies light up?". Ask the Experts, 2005. Scientific American. 5 Sept. 2005 <http://www.sciam.com/askexpert_question.cfm?articleID=0005CA60-2E6D-1316-A24383414B7F4945&catID=3&topicID=3>
External links
- Facts about Lampyridae
- Firefly sighting reports
- Nitric oxide and Firefly Flashing has a detailed molecular description.
- Lightning bugs
- Afterglow - Is it lights out for fireflies? (Failure magazine, June 2003)
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