What makes a firefly glow?

in #facts9 years ago


Fireflies light up to attract a mate. To do this, the fireflies contain specialized cells in their abdomen that make light. The cells contain a chemical called luciferin and make an enzyme called luciferase. To make light, the luciferin combines with oxygen to form an inactive molecule called oxyluciferin.

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Interesting. As fireflies glow every night (from my childhood experience), does this mean they're trying to mate every day?

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