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Synchronous fireflies




Originally it was thought that fireflies use light flashes to warn other members of the presence of predators and other dangers. But it’s now known that fireflies glow to communicate with mates. In some species, the males fly around flashing a specific pattern requesting for dates, while the females remain stationary on the ground or trees searching among the flashing males for a potential partner. When she likes what she sees, the female responds with her own unique flash.


The light is produced in their lower abdomen where nearly hundred percent of the energy produced in the chemical reaction is converted to light. Researchers believe the fireflies synchronise their flashing to enable the females to clearly spot the males’ patterns. This flashing cuts down on the visual clutter helping both the females and the males to find each other. However, the mechanics of the synchronisation is still a mystery.













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