Waiting for Cupid | Photinus pyralis

Waiting for cupid, she releases old photons
into the night, commanding lovers
to change direction.

Wild Light Post: http://www.bugdreams.com/archives/cupid/

comments (1)

Christine Young

Lion
Today's Facebook post:
Today is unusual ‘creature features’ Day 3! #JungleDragon

To see more wildlife with unique features:
- Creature Features
BIOLUMINESCENCE
Bioluminescence is the ability of an organism to produce light. Fireflies have light-producing organs on their abdomens in which they produce their characteristic glow. This special organ uses an enzyme called luciferase to create light in a very efficient reaction that creates almost no waste.

The chemistry is very fascinating, but the real question is: Why do they have glowing butts? They flash light for several purposes; but, a major reason is romance. The males flash to signal females. And, in return, females send return flashes to the males they deem worthy of mating with. The eastern firefly (Photinus pyralis) puts on an especially spectacular display – almost like a choreographed dance in which fireflies gather to stare at the glow emanating from their crushes’ bums. {Spotted in the USA by Rick Lieder} #Firefly #Bioluminescence #Photinuspyralis

https://www.facebook.com/jungledragonwildlife
Posted 4 years ago

The Common eastern firefly

''Photinus pyralis'', known by the common names common eastern firefly and big dipper firefly, is the most common species of firefly in North America. This organism is sometimes incorrectly classified as ''Photuris pyralis'', which likely results from mistaking the similar sounding genus ''Photuris''.

Info 31 0

Similar species: Beetles

Species identified by Rick Lieder