The flashing glow of these fireflies (aka lightning bugs) is the signal that the bugs are ready to find a The flashing glow of these fireflies (aka lightning bugs) is the signal that the bugs are ready to find a mate and settle down. After a larval stage spent living in fresh water and feeding on other insects, snails, and worms, the fully-formed fireflies take to the air and light up the evening . Even their larvae glow: For the young, the glow is a warning to predators that the larvae are often toxic, or at least don’t taste good. Scientists are still studying the exact mechanics of what makes a firefly’s light work, but it’s a pretty complex chemical reaction. One thing is clear: the light wouldn’t happen without the enzyme luciferase . The name comes from the Latin ‘lucifer,’ which means ‘light-bringing.’.. See more See less
