O firefly it is a insect classified as a coleopteran, one of its peculiarities is the emission of the luminous effect in its abdomen. This is possible because these insects have phosphorescent organs, which use chemical reactions to produce light.
This light emission is called bioluminescence, the fuel used for the chemical reaction to take place is luciferin, which undergoes oxidation in the presence of oxygen and loses energy in the form of light, this process is called biological oxidation.
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A bioluminescence chemical reaction it does not produce heat, which is why the firefly can emit several light signals in sequence, as if it were blinking, and still not be burned.
The emission of this light serves as an attraction for mating, the male emits light while flying to warn of his approach and the female emits light after landing, to signal where she is.
You may have noticed by now that it's much easier to find fireflies in field or dimly lit places. This happens because city lighting inhibits the bioluminescence of these insects, interfering with reproduction and, consequently, reducing the number of individuals in that region.
See too:
- 14 Nocturnal animals - Habits, characteristics, feeding and examples
- 11 Invertebrate Animals