6 SEE A FIREFLY GLOW IN THE DARK

5 SEE A 5 FIREFLY

GLOW IN THE DARK

Flashes of light decorate the dark night

sky . . .

It’s a group of fireflies in action! This unique species of beetle produces a rhythmic light sequence, which not only protects it from predators but also helps it find a mate.

The firefly is able to start and end a chemical reaction inside its body, which sets a light organ in its abdomen aglow! This process of lighting up is called “bioluminescence.” But unlike, say, a light bulb, which gives off heat as well as light, a firefly can light up without burning up! All the energy created within a firefly’s body is given off as light, meaning it stays cool as well as safe. Let’s watch fireflies sparkle at dusk . . . It’s a warm evening, and across this quiet glade in the forest, all we hear are the chirrups of crickets. This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

It flashes again. PING! PING! It is Firefly! Firefly bounces up and down in the air, his luminous glow in sync with his movements.

During this mesmerizing performance, he signals to females sitting and watching in the grass below. He is hoping for a response!

Female fireflies choose a mate based on specific flash patterns.

He gets one! Now two lights bounce along together, back and forth. Firefly and his mate are communicating across the glade!

Before long more fireflies join in, until the clearing is filled with twinkling lights. This is an advance, uncorrected proof. Not for resale, duplication, or reposting. Please do not quote without comparison to the finished book.

A magical glow illuminates the pine trees in the forest as Firefly and his friends continue their dance on this balmy night.

Firefly larvae also light up at night as a warning to hungry predators to stay away!