Scientists Unravel Mechanism Behind Firefly Flashing

Plants and Animals





Photo credit:

Giorgio Margaritondo/EPFL. Image shows larger channels of the firefly tracheal system branching into smaller ones, supplying oxygen for the firefly's light emission.

Fireflies are truly dazzling to watch; the way that they dance across a dark backdrop, twinkling like stars. But how do they put on this hypnotizing light show? While scientists have understood the chemistry behind their bioluminescence for some time, the physics side of this beautiful phenomenon has been somewhat of a mystery. Now, thanks to a combination of sophisticated imaging techniques, researchers have managed to reveal the fine details behind firefly light flashing for the first time.