1/30/2024 0 Comments Lightning bugs facts![]() ![]() Lightning bugs live on every continent except Antarctica, but only about 160 lightning bug species live in the United States, the Xerces Society reports. Of the hundreds of thousands of beetle species in the world, more than 2,000 of them are fireflies. They are actually beetles, which is the largest group of animals on Earth, with more than 350,000 known species in the world, according to the Smithsonian. ![]() They aren't fliesįireflies, lightning bugs - no matter what you call them, these insects aren't flies at all. Here's five more interesting facts about them. No matter what you call them, these insects are a fascinating addition to the summer landscape. And a great many people - about 40 percent of Americans - use the two terms interchangeably. Here in Illinois and elsewhere in the Midwest, lightning bug is the most common term, but firefly is used most often in the western United States, Mental Floss reports. While these insects can be found all over the United States - and the world - what you call them may have to do with where you live. Each species of lightning bug has its own unique flashing pattern, and emitting their light sequence helps them find insects of the same species to mate with. All that glowing helps them find a mate, according to the Smithsonian. Lightning bugs' bioluminescence - that is, their ability to light up - serves an important purpose. Another contributing factor is that the chemical produced by the bugs that lets them light up is used in forensic tests, food safety testing and other scientific research, and while synthetic versions of the chemical are available, some companies still harvest the insects to collect the chemical. Why and to what extent lightning bug populations are declining isn't entirely understood, but light pollution is thought to play a role, as is habitat loss, Smithsonian Magazine reports. Today, though, their population appears to be declining, putting that rite at risk for future generations. These bugs are a summertime rite of passage for kids, who have been chasing and catching the insects for generations. This special talent helps compensate for its relatively slow pace and small size.A familiar flash of light in your backyard on a summer evening can mean only one thing: lightning bug season. However, such behaviors vary by species.Īlthough this harmless insect's bioluminescence may not seem particularly useful or meaningful at first glance, it actually plays a crucial role in the firefly's survival. Females often find males more appealing if they blink frequently and brightly. The male firefly also uses it to invite potential mates. Consequently, the predatory species depend on bioluminescence to attract prey. ![]() Lightning bugs can't fly long distances because they have short wings.
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