Can we communicate with fireflies? Let’s try and find out their secret language codes.
Things Required:
Fireflies in a jar
Torch
Directions:
In a darkened room, hold the torch near the jar of fireflies. Turn the light on and off at one-second intervals. The easiest way to judge a one-second interval is to say these words “One thousand and one”. Flash the light at least 10 times. Change the intervals to 2 seconds, then 3 and finally 4-second intervals. Flash the light at least 10 times for each time interval.
Do the fireflies seem to respond to any of the time intervals of flashes?
This Is What Happens:
The fireflies seem to respond to the light flashes. It will depend on the species as to the interval of flashes that they will most likely respond to.
Science Behind It:
Fireflies are beetles that have a layer of light-producing cells on their abdomens. These cells contain luciferin, a chemical that gives off light when combined with oxygen. The female has no wings and can be found on the ground. Her light is much brighter. It is believed that the rhythm of flashes is done to attract a mate. They usually flash their light in time intervals ranging from 1 to 4 seconds depending on the species.
