Arafa:

Can you list the names of insects that can produce light?

Picture Credit: Glowworm Tours in New Zealand

Bioluminescence has been described for several groups of plants, microbes, and animals. Insects that produce light include some springtails (Collembola), the fulgorid lantern bug (Hemiptera), some fungus gnats (Dipterans), and several families (Lampyridae, Elateridae, Drilidae, and Phengodidae) of beetles (Coleoptera).

Bioluminescence has been more heavily studied and described in the beetles. Members of the Lampyrids, or fireflies, have light-producing organs in their abdomens. Depending on the species, both males and females can produce light, as well as the larval stages. Luminescent larvae (of both beetles and flies) are often called glowworms. The light flash patterns, including duration and frequency, are species specific and are involved in mate attraction. Generally it is the males that are flashing in order to attract mates, but there are of course some crafty carnivorous females who light up to trick prey. Light is produced by a luciferase enzyme reaction where the pigment luciferin is oxidized.

Fungus gnat larvae found in caves in New Zealand have light producing organs that are modified parts of their malpighian tubules (waste removal system of the insect). The adult fly lays her egg on a mucus string from the ceiling and this is where the developing larvae hang from. Small insects flying through the caves are attracted to the bioluminescence and consequently get caught in the sticky threads where the developing larvae then feed on them.

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