What is the average lifespan of a lightning bug

Fireflies have dedicated light organs that are located under their abdomens which take in oxygen. Inside special cells, the oxygen combines with a substance called luciferin to produce light. Firefly light is usually intermittent, and flashes in patterns that are unique to each species.

Each blinking pattern is a signal that helps fireflies find potential mates. Scientists are not sure how the insects regulate the process of turning their lights on and off. Life Cycle: Like all beetles, the fireflies have a complete life cycle consisting of four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The adult females lay their eggs in mid-summer. Egg hatch occurs by late summer and the larvae are present until the following spring.

Pupation occurs just before the adults are seen flying about in June and July. They have a life span of about 2 months. Conservation: Fireflies are not endangered but are at threat for disappearing. Most researchers blame two main factors: development and light pollution. Because of housing and commercial development reducing firefly habitat, their numbers are dwindling. Skip to content Home Blog What is the average lifespan of a firefly? Ben Davis January 31, What is the average lifespan of a firefly?

Do bats eat lightning bugs? Where did the lightning bugs go? Are fireflies and lightning bugs the same thing? Are lightning bugs poisonous? Can a lightning bug kill a cat? Can animals eat lightning bugs? How long are lightning bugs out for? What do lightning bugs drink? Adults eschew such prey and typically feed on nectar or pollen, though some adults do not eat at all.

All rights reserved. Common Name: Fireflies. Scientific Name: Lampyridae. Type: Invertebrates. Diet: Omnivore. Average Life Span: About 2 months. Size: Up to 1 inch. Size relative to a paper clip:. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo. Share Tweet Email. Go Further. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. Animals This frog mysteriously re-evolved a full set of teeth.

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