Bug Note Episode 9: Fireflies
About Episode 9
Fireflies light up our memories with a sense of childhood nostalgia, even for those who didn’t grow up near them. They’re associated with hope, childlike wonder, and in some cultures, ancestral guidance.
Here to guide us on our exploration of fireflies are Bug Note host Daniel Potter and NHMU Invertebrate Collections Manager, Christy Bills. Together, they’ll illuminate the fascinating lives of fireflies, including how citizen scientists around the country can help with firefly research.
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Fireflies are iconic little critters, often making appearances as beloved characters in children's books and films. Their glowing bodies fascinate us — after all, most animals don’t light up the way they do.
It’s called bioluminescence, something seen far more often in the deep ocean waters than on dry land. “I think the estimate is that about 3/4 of the animals in the deep ocean have bioluminescence,” Christy explained. “So it's not an unusual thing on this planet, but it's an unusual thing to see in our terrestrial world.”
Fireflies are one of the few terrestrial examples. Across the animal world, bioluminescence can be produced in a variety of ways, including symbiotic relationships with bacteria or other organisms. In the case of the firefly, it occurs when two proteins produced by fireflies (luciferin and luciferase) mix together.
One common misunderstanding is that all fireflies fly around glowing. In reality, only some species continue to produce light during their adult lives. When the insects are young (in their larval stage), they use bioluminescence as a defense mechanism. Their light signals to nearby predators that they should stay away — they won’t taste good!
But that purpose changes in adulthood. For those species that continue to produce light, it acts as a method of communication that helps them find a mate... or unwitting prey! And this tactic is successful. After all, fireflies have been around since the age of the dinosaurs, surviving environmental changes and mass extinction events. In terms of longevity, fireflies are wildly successful.
Bug Note on YouTube
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About Bug Note
Bug Note is hosted by Daniel Potter, a science writer who's also worked in the world of public radio for many years, and who loves fresh air and storytime. He's joined by Dr. Jason Cryan, NHMU’s Sarah B. George Executive Director and trained entomologist, and Christy Bills, NHMU's Invertebrate Collections Manager, as well as other bug-loving guests. Video production by Blank Space. The podcast is created in collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Utah, with the expertise and support of its scientific, philanthropic, marketing, and education teams. Special thanks to NHMU friend and insect enthusiast Ted Fridirici.
Episode 9 at a Glance
Authors
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By Olivia Barney
Olivia serves as NHMU’s Marketing Copywriter/Coordinator, where she collaborates across departments to craft engaging stories that help bring groundbreaking research projects to life. She might be the Oxford comma’s number one fan.
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By Dan Potter
Daniel Potter is a science writer and audio producer based in Nashville, Tennessee. He's reported for Nashville Public Radio and KQED in San Francisco, and has appeared on Science Friday and PBS NewsHour. He's also written for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Some of his writing appears in the 2023 book Bay Curious: Exploring the Hidden True Stories of the San Francisco Bay Area.
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By Christy Bills
Areas of Expertise • Insect collection curation • Science communication • Fireflies in the Western U.S. • Community Science Background Christy joined the Museum staff in 1998 and has been managing the invertebrate collections with the help of volunteers and interns ever since. Moving from 19th century technologies, she shepherded the collection from outdated housing to archival...
