Scientists Investigate How Fireflies Emit Different Colors of Light
Thursday, January 7, 2010 - 10:21
in Biology & Nature
(PhysOrg.com) -- There are more than 2,000 species of fireflies around the world, many of which are best known for their bioluminescence. Fireflies, which are not flies but beetles, produce flashes of light in order to communicate with each other and to attract mates. The color of light emitted by the luceferin molecule in fireflies can range from red to yellow to green. However, the chemical and physical origin of firefly color variation is not well understood.