The bright secret of fireflies finally explained

In the dark, small light points appear, discreet but fascinating. However, Are they simple natural curiosities or the sign of a language that escapes us? Moreover, Fluoles, familiar insects of summer evenings, awaken our attention as much as our curiosity.

Why do fireflies shine, and how do they do it? For example, These insects familiar with our summer nights do not shine by chance. For example, Their radiance results from a precise biological mechanism, the fruit of a remarkable evolution. Moreover, Understanding how and why this light appears is to enter the fascinating universe of bioluminescence.

When light becomes a weapon of seduction – Bright secret fireflies finally explained

The delicate flashing of fireflies is not by chance. Consequently, It results from an ultra-specialized biochemical mechanism. Moreover, “” It is a chemical reaction inside their body, often on the back, which allows them to produce light. At bright secret fireflies finally explained this location. For example, specific molecules are activated by the insect body “Explains François Lasserre on the occasion of the program” The little boats “broadcast on France Inter on June 22. Therefore, These light signals are not trivial, they play a fundamental role in sexual recognition.

Each species has a distinct flashing, a real love signature. Similarly, “” Some males will flash in a certain way. Moreover, and the female will know that this flashing is the male of her species. This luminous choreography is therefore the condition sine qua non reproduction. But seduction can turn into trap. Some more deceitful females imitate the signature of other species to attract males … and devour them. “” Some females imitate the flashing of another species to attract a male … and eat it Reveals François Lasserre. Poetics, but ruthless.

A light controlled with a nearest micron – Bright secret fireflies finally explained

The light emitted by fireflies bright secret fireflies finally explained is not produced at random. It arises from photophores, small organs located at the end of the abdomen. These organs are home to photocytes, cells specializing in light production. Inside, luciferin is oxidized by the enzyme lucifrase in the presence of oxygen, triggering the emission of a photon. And for magic to work, oxygen is issued with surgical precision by tracheoles, small respiratory canals.

The whole is wrapped in a reflective fabric that directs light outwards. We see a net flash, calibrated, unique in each species. Sophisticated regulation also makes it possible to extinguish the signal at will. In some species, nitrogen monoxide temporarily inhibits oxygen consumption by mitochondria, releasing it for bioluminescence. In short, the firefly invented the bright secret fireflies finally explained torch lamp long before the man.

Fireflies: Fragile sentries of a threatened night world

But all of this is just a bright thread. Light pollution, pesticides, and urbanization threaten these sensitive species. The females struggle to identify the signals of the males in the lit areas. Reproduction declines. Silent ecosystems become blind. And it’s not just aesthetic loss. Lucioles are mollusc predators, ecological indicators, subtle links of an already flickering natural balance.

Added to this is indifference. “” When approaching or bothers them, they often stop shining. They feel that it is not time to seduce, but to be discreet “Confides François Lasserre. Even human wonder is not enough to make them sparkle in our hands. “” Me too, I would have loved that they continue to sparkle in the hollow of the hand. »

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