The Firefly
in Art and Science
Because of
its role as a producer of light, the firefly has been immortalized in
art. For instance, the only insect-related song to top the popular music
charts was "Glowworm." Sung by the Mills Brothers, this rewrite
of a German folksong was a Number One hit in the 1950's.
Poets also
celebrate the magic of the firefly. For example, Robert Frost wrote
in his poem "Fireflies in the Garden": Here come real stars
to fill the upper skies, And here on earth come emulating flies. James
Whitcomb Riley states: "And fireflies like golden seeds are sown
about the night."
The magic
of cold, living light production by fireflies has fascinated scientists
for years. Understanding the chemistry of firefly light has resulted
in the life-saving glow sticks that duplicate the light production system
of this insect. Luciferin and luciferase have also been used in medical
research on such diseases as cancer and multiple sclerosis.
A Special Firefly
The firefly
proposed as the official Indiana State Insect is Pyractomena angulata
(Say), also known as "Say's Firefly." It was named by Indiana's
eminent naturalist, Thomas Say, in 1824. Say lived and worked in New Harmony
in Posey County, and is considered the Father of American Entomology.
By naming this particular species as the state insect, we are also honoring
one of the great figures in Indiana history.
A Unique Teaching
Opportunity
The establishment of a state insect would provide a unique
teaching opportunity for educators and a point of pride for citizens of
Indiana. Each summer we would be reminded of Indiana's rich natural heritage
whenever we see firefly flashes.
|
|
Firefly Biology
Adult fireflies
are soft-bodied beetles that produce light in special cells located near
the end of the abdomen. This living light is a complex chemical reaction
resulting from the oxidation of a substance called luciferin. The length
of the flash is determined by controlling the flow of oxygen into their
light-producing organs.
Fireflies use
their lights to attract mates. Most of the fireflies that we see flashing
at night are males trying to impress females who are sitting on low vegetation.
They produce a flashing pattern involving a series of short or long bursts
of light in patterns similar to Morse code. If a female is receptive,
she will answer with a flash of her own. There are over 30 species of
lightning bug fireflies in Indiana and each species has its own unique
flash pattern. Part of the fun of firefly watching is trying to identify
different flashes. In Indiana, the most spectacular firefly light displays
occur during June and July.
Following mating,
females lay up to 200 eggs in moist soil. The larvae are dull-colored
creatures that feed on soft-bodied insects, slugs and snails. By late
summer, these immature fireflies have functioning lights of their own,
but they don't flash. They leave their light on, and the constant glow
is the basis for their common name, "glowworm." Glowworms are
most frequently found in damp areas such as along ponds and streams, where
their massed lights produce an eerie sight on cool fall evenings.
Fireflies overwinter
as larvae and pupate during the spring. The adults then emerge and begin
the annual ritual of seeking a mate and in the process light up Indiana's
summer nights.
Click
here for additional educational information on fireflies
Click
here for Senate and House member contact information
|
