Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Sue on 17/08/2009 15:30:03

Title: Why do fireflys only flash at dusk?
Post by: Sue on 17/08/2009 15:30:03

Sue asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Why do fireflies only flash at dusk?  If I'm watching, I see lots of them.  If I wait an hour or so and check, I can't find any. 

Is it because they've all found mates and are sharing some quiet time together? 

Would promiscuous bugs flash again later?

What do you think?

Title: Why do fireflys only flash at dusk?
Post by: RD on 17/08/2009 20:12:28

Apparently there are late and early flashing species ...

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Title: Why do fireflys only flash at dusk?
Post by: Don_1 on 18/08/2009 08:15:06

You seem to have a spot of bother with flashers. Think yourself lucky they aren't the 'dirty old mac' brigade.

Glow-worms, the larvae of the Firefly, emit this light as a warning to predators. The larvae can be distasteful and in some cases toxic.

The adult firefly emits this flashing light as an attraction to possible mates. But they also do so to attract prey. Some Fireflies are known to synchronize their flashing with great precision. The female Firefly, which incidentally is a beetle, will also flash to attract a male for a bit of nooky, so he thinks, and when she has him in her loving arms, she eats him!

Once you have had your bonk, or eaten your fill, there is no further need of flashing.