How does a firefly make its light?Fireflies or lightning bugs (Photinus pyroles) create rhythmic flashes of light from their anus with intervals between 4 to 8 seconds. Some scientists speculate that it's a way to send signals to each other, attract prey, or signal a warning. Whatever it may be, their light has been a mystery for years.
The cause of the light has recently been defined by the concept of bioluminescence. This results from quick oxidation of carbon and hydrogen in only a few steps. This quick reaction produces a lot of harmful energy which some organisms, such as fireflies eliminate in the form of light instead of heat. In fireflies, the substance luciferin in the presence of the enzyme luciferase undergoes oxidation, in response to electrical signals from the nervous system.
