Fireflies' "little lanterns"

Fireflies have luminous cells in their luminescent apparatus, and the luciferin and luciferase enzymes are inside the glowing cells. Under the catalytic action of luciferase, the activated fluorescein chemically reacts with oxygen to form oxidized fluorescein and emits fluorescence.

In this process, energy is rarely converted into heat energy, so the light emitted by fireflies is "cold light", and we are not "hot". Grab the firefly and pinch it gently, because it is not heavy, it will also glow, and the brightness will not diminish. This is the mating season of fireflies, they are full of enthusiasm for their light, unless they encounter special circumstances will extinguish the "little lantern".

Obviously, fireflies can control their own "little lanterns", light them when they want to, and extinguish them if they want to. Why do fireflies light "little lanterns"? Is it for good looks?

Dad said: First, fireflies light small lanterns to identify. Different types of fireflies, the mode of light is not the same, according to the duration and frequency of light, fireflies can distinguish whether it is their own people. If you understand the fireflies' luminous code, you can use a pen-shaped flashlight to simulate the glow frequency of the fireflies and attract them to "talk" to you.

Second, it is used for courtship. For example, when the male fireflies fly close to the ground, they emit light every six seconds, and the light time lasts for about half a second, and they dance when they glow. The female fireflies see this courtship dance and, if satisfied, respond by emitting a light that lasts about half a second after two seconds.

Third, to protect yourself. The little lantern of the firefly looks soft and bright, but the illumination is very weak. Even if it is very close, we can only see a flash of light, and we cannot clearly see the shape of the firefly. Obviously, the fireflies are not illuminating themselves, but making it impossible for the "enemy" to see themselves.