There are more than 2000 firefly species in the world, And India is home to around 50–70 species of fireflies, but more may yet be discovered. All these species come under the family Lampyridae, which is basically just a kind of beetle. These fireflies are a sign of a healthy and thriving environment.
You’re most likely to see them in warm weather when it has been raining a lot. All these tiny fireflies seem very magical because of their glowing flying bodies, but how do they glow? And why we don’t see them anymore? And how to bring them back?
Today we are going to learn about different ways to attract fireflies to your garden.
How do fireflies glow at night?
The answer is found in the butt of these little bugs. It happens because of an event called bioluminescence, which occurs because of the chemistry in the element of the bug’s body. There are only a few creatures which can do this magic.
The light of a firefly is a chemical reaction caused by an organic compound – luciferin – in their abdomens. As air rushes into a firefly’s abdomen, it reacts with the luciferin. And then, it causes a chemical reaction that gives off the firefly’s familiar glow. This light is sometimes called cold light because it generates so little heat.
For comparison, An electric light bulb creates only 10% light and 90% waste as a form of heat, while a fireflie is so efficient that it generates no heat at all just pure light.
Why do fireflies emit light?
First, fireflies light up for safety. The firefly’s flashy style may warn predators of the insect’s bitter taste. But some frogs don’t seem to understand the warning. In fact, they eat so many fireflies that they themselves begin to glow.
Second, fireflies light up for romance. Male fireflies’ light signals their desire for mates. Also, willing females attract males with flashes of their own.
Lastly, fireflies light up to attract dinner. While each firefly species has its own pattern of flashing, some females imitate the patterns of other species. As a result, males land next to them, only to be eaten alive.
So, the next time you see a firefly, keep in mind that its flickering isn’t just a wonder of the night. Indeed, it’s also a unique, and sometimes deadly, language of love.
How i can see fireflies?
In India, fireflies, also known as jugnus, are best seen during the pre-monsoon season, usually from mid-May to June. You might see fireflies nearby The humid forests, millions of fireflies emerge just before the monsoon begins.
Fireflies thrive as larvae in rotting woods and forest litter near the ponds and streams. And as they grow, they more or less stay where they were born. Some species are more aquatic than others, and a few are found in more dry areas—but most are found in fields, forests and marshes.
Fireflies prefer warm, humid areas with standing water, such as forests, fields, marshes, and near ponds, streams, and rivers.
If you have any place like this nearby try to protect that so that next monsoon fireflies will make your monsoon more magical than ever before.
Why there are no fireflies anymore?
There are two main factors: development and light pollution.
However, as cities grow, more wild habitats are developed for human use, such as for buildings, parking lots, or streets. Swampy soil, where young fireflies need to thrive, is also being bulldozed for development.
The problem is that throughout the world, our open fields and forests are being cemented over, and our waterways are seeing more development and noisy boat traffic. As their habitat disappears under housing and commercial developments, fireflies are disappearing. Logging, pollution and increased use of pesticides also destroy firefly habitats and natural prey.
Too Much Light At Night
Light pollution is a major factor in the disappearance of fireflies all over the world. Both male and female fireflies use their flashing lights to communicate. Some species synchronize their flashes, sometimes across large groups of thousands of insects. All species speak a language of light.
Scientists believe they use it to attract mates, defend their territory, and warn off predators. Human light pollution interrupts firefly flash patterns.
Scientists have observed that synchronous fireflies get out of synch for a few minutes after a car’s headlights pass. Light from homes, cars, stores, and streetlights may all make it difficult for fireflies to signal each other during mating—meaning fewer firefly larvae are born next season.
How to bring fireflies back?
Fireflies need shelter, food, and moisture to thrive. You can create a firefly-friendly habitat by:
- Leaving organic matter: Fallen leaves, branches, and other organic matter provide a place for firefly eggs to hatch and larvae to develop. You can also try placing bags of wet leaf compost in a shady area to attract snails and slugs, which are food for fireflies.
- Adding native plants: Native trees, plants and grasses can provide shelter for adult fireflies, retain soil moisture for larvae, and provide nectar and pollen for adults. Fireflies also lay their eggs in the canopy of native pine trees, which provide a safe, dark place for them to rest during the day.
Fireflies are fascinating creatures that light up our nights and bring a sense of magic and mystery to our environment. If they disappear, it will be a great loss to habitats and generations of people all over the world.
Read more : Do and don’ts for this monsoon season
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