How do fireflies communicate

Weight Loss. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Ab Exercises for a Stronger Core. What makes fireflies glow? So, why do fireflies produce this glow? Haoxiang Yang Getty Images. Firefly eggs have been observed to flash in response to stimulus such as gentle tapping or vibrations.

This is an image of a firefly larvae just emerging from the egg. Fireflies are primarily carnivorous. Larvae usually eat snails and worms. Some species of fireflies feed on other fireflies—most notable is the genus photuris , which mimics female flashes of photinus , a closely related species, in order to attract and devour the males of that species. But adult fireflies have almost never been seen feeding on other species of bugs. They may feed on plant pollen and nectar, or they may eat nothing.

An adult firefly lives only long enough to mate and lay eggs—so they may not need to eat during their adult life stage. The larvae usually live for approximately one to two years, from mating season to mating season, before becoming adults and giving birth to the next generation. Lightning bugs are also common features in novels about the Southern United States, where the insects can be found in large numbers on languid summer nights.

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors. Mary McMahon. Please enter the following code:. Some fireflies, most famously in Southeast Asia, will synchronize their flashes. In the U. Fireflies flash in patterns that are unique to each species. Each blinking pattern is used to help them find potential mates.

Male fireflies typically fly through the air in search of a female by emitting a species-specific flashing pattern. Some fireflies only flash once, while others do so up to nine times. The females sit on the ground and wait until they see an impressive light display. Less romantically, female fireflies in the genus Photuris mimic the flash of females in the genus Photinus attracting Photinus males, which they lure in to eat.

Not only do the Photuris females get food, they also incorporate chemicals from the Photinus males that make them distasteful to predators. Speaking of predators, firefly blood contains a defensive steroid called lucibufagins, which makes them unappetizing to potential hunters.