With regard to adult fireflies, this issue has long been resolved.
The dance of these lights fluttering in the dark is just a mating ritual, nothing more.
It has reproductive value, that is, it helps fireflies reproduce and thereby survive.
How fireflies glow
The pigment luciferin is responsible for the bioluminescence of fireflies.
Under the influence of a special enzyme, this pigment is oxidized.
The excess energy formed as a result of a chemical reaction is released in the form of light.
At the same time, the glow efficiency of fireflies is extremely high: from 87 to 98% of the energy turns into light.
Many fireflies are inedible, and they may use special acoustic signals to warn bats about this.
What do fireflies eat
Fireflies are predators, feeding on insects and shellfish.
Firefly larvae lead a wandering life, like ground beetle larvae.
The larvae feed on small invertebrates, mainly terrestrial mollusks, in whose shells they often hide themselves.
Adult beetles do not feed and die soon after mating and laying eggs.
Previously, we talked about unusual facts about primates.
