Firefly Trip

After
going on the "Firefly" trip, I decided to do some research on more info
about them... They are quite an interesting sight to see...

DESCRIPTION

The firefly
is actually a beetle and not a fly at all. Fireflies can grow
to 9 centimeters in length and are easily identified by their
flat bodies, blackish backs, large eyes, and short antennae. Of
course, fireflies are most readily identified by their bioluminescent
abdominal region. Both adults and larva are capable of glowing.
Even firefly eggs glow!

HABITAT
AND RANGE

There
are over 2,000 species of firefly inhabiting the temperate and
tropical regions of the earth. Fireflies are found in a variety
of habitats, especially forest edges, wooded backyards, and areas
near streams or ponds. Some fireflies species, however, or found
in desert regions. Fireflies are most common in warm, humid areas
of the world. South and central America and southern Asia support
the greatest diversity of firefly species. In North America, fireflies
that glow are typically found only west of the Great Plains.
-

DIET

Firefly
larva are predators and feed on earthworms, snails, and slugs.
Larva can detect the slime from a slug and follow the trail to
its prey. Adult fireflies feed mostly on flower nectar.

BIOLUMINESCENCE

Fireflies
produce light by initiating a chemical reaction of Luciferin,
Luciferase and Oxygen. Amazingly enough, the firefly "light"
is extremely efficient - about ten times more energy efficient
than a light bulb. Most scientists believe fireflies light up
to advertise to predators that they taste bad. When fireflies
are disturbed, the frequency and intensity of their glow increases.
Fireflies also glow as a means of communication between males
and females. Scientists believe that certain aspects of a male's
flashing pattern (such as frequency of flashing) are more attractive
to female fireflies and increase his chance of mating.