Why Do Fireflies Flash Their Lights?

Fireflies light up by means of bioluminescence, a light-producing chemical reaction, according to Scientific American. These fascinating creatures flash their lights for a variety of reasons, all of which are related to survival and reproduction.

Function

• Fireflies possess a specific "lighting-up" organ, which is where the chemical reaction known as bioluminescence takes place. This organ contains luciferase, an enzyme that results in illumination when it is combined with oxygen and calcium.

Reproductive Benefits

• A firefly's light serves a variety of purposes. Studies have shown that some flash patterns are more beneficial for attracting mates. Males flash their lights to attract females, who respond by lighting up themselves.

Survival Benefits

• The lights also protect fireflies from predators. The light-producing chemicals contained in the firefly's body possess a foul taste, and predators learn to associate flashing lights with an unappetizing dinner.

Fun Fact

• Some species of fireflies do not possess adequate light-producing chemicals, or lucibufagens. They accumulate lucibufagens by mimicking other species' flashing patterns, drawing them in for a supposed mating session and eating them.