Basic Knowledge About Fireflies
~ Kota Tinggi Firefly Park ~The fireflies that grow in the Kota Tinggi River and nearby forest areas are mainly ( Pteroptyx tener ) species and some terrestrial fireflies species. (Pteroptyx tener) species belong to aquatic fireflies. They gather on the tree and glow with different frequency to attract heterosexual mating. (Pteroptyx tener) species are relatively small. Usually below 0.5cm. The glow color is close to white. Terrestrial fireflies species, are relatively bigger. The glow color is green yellow. Two species of fireflies are different growth habits. The following are some basic knowledge about firefly.
Why do fireflies glow
Fireflies produce a chemical reaction inside their bodies that allows them to light up. This type of light is called bioluminescence. When oxygen combines with calcium, adenosine triphosphate and the chemical luciferin in the presence of luciferase, a bioluminescent enzyme, light is produced. Unlike a light bulb, which produces a lot of heat in addition to light, a firefly’s light is “cold light” without a lot of energy being as heat.
( Pteroptyx tener ) Fireflies
Food for the fireflies
Adult fireflies feed on plant leaf juice, is a vegetarian. Firefly larvae feed on snails and some soft insects.
Nesting place
Fireflies needs damp wetlands. Because there have food sources. particularly snails and worm. Firefly live on the banks of river and canals. Stretches with dry land coupled with soft clay. Mangrove forest and where intertidal water washes the bank.
Fireflies mating
Males attract females with a frequency of glow. After the pairing is successful, they usually copulation by up and down or in a bottom-connected posture.
Fireflies growth cycle
Each variety has a different growth cycle. Take (Pteroptyx tener) as an example. Larvae eggs hatch for 15-20 days. Larval stage 2 to 3 months. Pupal stage 1-2 weeks. Adult firefly life span 3-4 weeks. Each stage is a difficult process.
