The Firefly

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/firefly/?rptregcta=reg_free_np&rptregcampaign=20131016_rw_membership_r1p_us_se_w#

Life On A Little Known Planet discusses the firefly in one of its chapters. I found this chapter particularly interesting. Did you know that the Firefly is in fact NOT a fly, a common mistake. This fascinating little bug is a beetle. The firefly is known for it's glowing abdomen. This light is produced by the combination of incoming oxygen and a substance called luciferin. Many associate this insect with a yellow-white glow, however different species of fireflies can produce different colors. There are around 2,000 firefly species, meaning there are potentially 2,000 different variations of colors as well. Another interesting fact I learned from the chapter is that fireflies have specific light patterns and signals for each species. Its cool to think how intricate these bugs are. Growing up I would just see them as these pretty glowing things to catch, but now I can look at them with knowledge and an understanding of them.
After reading this chapter, I did some research on the firefly. Here are some fact I found:

• These insects are omnivores
• They have an average life span of 2 months
• Mainly found in warm regions
• The flashes of light can also serve as defense. Showing the predators the unappealing taste.
• Females lay their eggs in the ground, where they stay until adulthood.

http://www.nature.org/cs/groups/webcontent/@web/@minnesota/documents/media/firefly-larvae-and-pupae.jpg

Above is a picture of firefly larvae. As you can see even in the larval stage these insect have the glowing feature.