Firefly

ColeopteraLampyridae
OrderColeoptera
FamilyLampyridae
Size0.5-2 cm
HabitatMeadows, forests, wetlands
DietNectar, pollen (adults), snails (larvae)

About the Firefly

Their bioluminescence is among the most efficient light sources in nature - 95% of energy is emitted as light (a typical lightbulb is 10%). Each species has a unique flash pattern used for mate attraction. Some species mimic other species flash patterns to lure and eat them. Firefly populations are declining worldwide due to light pollution, which disrupts their mating signals. The enzyme luciferase is widely used in biomedical research. Over 2,000 species worldwide.

Related Species