They are soft-bodied beetles commonly called fireflies, lightning bugs, or glowworms for their conspicuous production of light, mainly during twilight, to attract mates. [5] The type species is Lampyris noctiluca: the common glow-worm of Europe.

Jul 16, 2024 · Larvae prey on small animals incl. snails, slugs, worms, and soft-bodied insects; adults of many genera do not feed. Female Photuris are known to lure Photinus males using the flash pattern of female Photinus, and eat them to get defensive chemicals

Fireflies are magical and fasinating! But why do they flash? What makes them glow? Learn facts about fireflies and lightning bugs in the US and worldwide.

Oct 20, 2019 · Fireflies, or lightning bugs, are from the family Coleoptera: Lampyridae and they might be our most beloved insect, inspiring poets and scientists alike. Fireflies are neither flies nor bugs; they are beetles, and there are 2,000 species on our planet.

Scientifically, fireflies are classified under Lampyridae, a family of insects within the beetle order Coleoptera, or winged beetles. There are 2400 firefly species in 144 genera (taxonomic category that ranks above species) described all over the world.

There are a number of different species of fireflies, none of which are actually flies—they’re beetles. They get the names “firefly” and “lightning bug” because of the flashes of light they naturally produce.

Also known as lightning bugs, fireflies are beetles. Most fireflies are winged. That’s different from other light-producing insects of the same family, called glowworms. (Animals that produce...

Jan 16, 2025 · firefly, (family Lampyridae), family of some 2,000 species of beetles (insect order Coleoptera) found in most tropical and temperate regions that have special light-producing organs on the underside of the abdomen. Most fireflies are nocturnal, although some species are diurnal.

May 27, 2024 · A firefly is a luminous insect known for its bioluminescent abdomen, emitting a flickering light that serves as a mating signal or a defensive mechanism. “ The firefly is a family of light-emitting insects. They produce light through a chemical reaction of oxygen, calcium, energy, and a light-emitting molecule called luciferin.

Fireflies are disappearing! Find out why on Firefly.org. Information on fireflies & lightning bugs including reasons on their decline, plus firefly pictures, facts, and how to catch them.