Sunday Story: Lightning Bugs

Many folks dread the hot, humid days of summer. One very positive aspect to this type of weather, however, is the return of the lightning bugs!

The arrival of these luminating creatures is dependent upon the weather. They won’t dare show themselves if the weather is cool or dry. They patiently wait on the warmer, more humid days and nights.

Like many of nature’s creatures, springtime is the season of mating for the lightning bugs. The strength and frequency of the flash lets the female know how healthy the male lightning bug is. A healthier mate is the more attractive choice.

The light is the result of oxygen blending with other chemicals and creating an illuminous reaction. The light can only flash when the bug takes in oxygen through a series of complex tubes called tracheoles. Bugs don’t have lungs, so they must rely on tracheoles to bring oxygen into their bodies.

By controlling when oxygen enters their body, they control the occurrence and length of each flash. The flash does not produce any heat.

The larvae of lightning bugs have been observed to flash, as well, though those flashes are often weak and short lived. In nature, things that glow are distasteful. By emitting a soft glow, the larvae are sending a message to predators that they are not a tasty snack. Adults have been observed to use the flash as protection in this way, too.  

A lightning bug spends most of its life as larvae, up to 1-2 years to be exact. Once becoming a lightning bug it may only live for about a month.

So, the next time you complain about the hot and humid summer days just remember that they bring the beautiful lightning bugs that add some magical luminance to our summer evenings.