2. THE ANATOMY OF THE
FIREFLY
• Where does the chemical reaction
happen in the firefly?
• The chemical reaction between
Luciferin, Luciferase, and oxygen
occurs in the sixth or seventh
section of the fireflies' abdomen
• The insect is able to take in
oxygen through tube like openings
in the abdomen in order to start
the reaction.
3. • The two chemicals Luciferin and
Luciferase activate with oxygen
to produce oxyluciferin
THE REACTANTS
Fireflies make their glow with a
combination chemicals. These
chemicals consist of Luciferin,
Luciferase, ATP, and oxygen.
4. HOW IS LIGHT
PRODUCED?
• When oxyluciferin is produced it
is in an excited state and as it
returns to its normal state it loses
energy in the form of light.
5. WHY DO FIREFLIES
EMITTED THIS LIGHT?
• Fireflies use their ability to
produce light primarily as a
way to attract a mate.
6. HOW DO FIREFLIES
CONTROL IT?
• Fireflies are able to regulate the
amount of oxygen brought into
the reaction.
• By allowing or not allowing much
oxygen into the reaction they are
able to make it stronger or
weaker.
7. • In the smokey mountains there is a
species of fireflies called Synchronous
fireflies.
• These fireflies take almost 2 years to
mature but live for about 20 days
when fully matured.
• Their mating period on the Smokies is
for about two weeks in late May to
mid June.
• During this time the thousands of the
insects will synchronize the flash
together
FIREFLIES IN
TENNESSEE
8. Works Cited
Marsella, Gail B.C. Chemiluminescence, the Cold Light. N.p.: n.p., 1995.
Print.
The Physiology of Firefly Bioluminescence. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/midorcas/animalphysiology/websites/20
06/cahermes/index.htm>.
Serendip Studio. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
<http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1721>.
