![]() ![]() The chemical reaction that causes bioluminescence in fireflies occurs when oxygen combines with adenosine triphosphate (or ATP, which you may remember from high school biology as the molecule in all cells that carries energy) and a chemical called luciferin, Scientific American reports. Nearly 100% of the energy produced by the chemical reaction that causes them to light up is emitted in the form of light. The light produced by lightning bugs is the most efficient kind of light produced in the world, according to Smithsonian Magazine. Their light is the most efficient in the world Florida and Georgia have the most firefly diversity, with more than 50 species living in each state. Lightning bugs live on every continent except Antarctica, but only about 160 lightning bug species live in the United States, the Xerces Society reports. ![]() Of the hundreds of thousands of beetle species in the world, more than 2,000 of them are fireflies. They are actually beetles, which is the largest group of animals on Earth, with more than 350,000 known species in the world, according to the Smithsonian. They aren't fliesįireflies, lightning bugs - no matter what you call them, these insects aren't flies at all. Here's five more interesting facts about them. No matter what you call them, these insects are a fascinating addition to the summer landscape. And a great many people - about 40 percent of Americans - use the two terms interchangeably. ![]() Here in Illinois and elsewhere in the Midwest, lightning bug is the most common term, but firefly is used most often in the western United States, Mental Floss reports. While these insects can be found all over the United States - and the world - what you call them may have to do with where you live. Each species of lightning bug has its own unique flashing pattern, and emitting their light sequence helps them find insects of the same species to mate with. All that glowing helps them find a mate, according to the Smithsonian. Lightning bugs' bioluminescence - that is, their ability to light up - serves an important purpose. Another contributing factor is that the chemical produced by the bugs that lets them light up is used in forensic tests, food safety testing and other scientific research, and while synthetic versions of the chemical are available, some companies still harvest the insects to collect the chemical. Why and to what extent lightning bug populations are declining isn't entirely understood, but light pollution is thought to play a role, as is habitat loss, Smithsonian Magazine reports. Today, though, their population appears to be declining, putting that rite at risk for future generations. ![]() These bugs are a summertime rite of passage for kids, who have been chasing and catching the insects for generations. Radim has been featured in Smithsonian, National Geographic, National Wildlife Federation.A familiar flash of light in your backyard on a summer evening can mean only one thing: lightning bug season. Future projects will include synchronous fireflies, giant firefly in the grass of Thailand, firefly festivals, Firefly Symposium and gatherings. All artwork is subject to artist's copyright. These movies and videos can be provided upon request. Firefly Experience also features High Definition stock footage of fireflies in 1080p, 4k, 720p, uncompressed and other formats. These are pictures of bugs and insect from Midwest, Iowa, Pensylvannia, USA and united states and whole world, in coming years also from Japan, Thailand, Malaisia, Asia. Chasing fireflies and capturing them in a jar is something many children experience in the USA. Glow worm photos glowing from Elkmont, TN Smoky Mountains National Park. Some photos feature fireflies in the grass or firefly on the stem of a grass and in the woods and magical forests. Photography by Radim Schreiber includes beautiful photos of fireflies (lightning bugs), Glow-worms, photos of Photonius Pyralis, footage of fireflies (footage of lightning bugs) close-up photographs of fireflies. All Rights reserved.Īll videos and photos are copyrighted by Radim Schreiber, whose permission is required for any usage. ![]()
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