Why do ghost fireflies glow continuously instead of blinking like other species?

Blue Ghost Fireflies

Phenomenon Description: Blue ghost fireflies (Phausis reticulata) emit their unique nighttime glow 
Location: Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
Grade Level or Course: Biology 
 

Question: Why do ghost fireflies glow continuously instead of blinking like other species? 
Other related questions: 
How do ghost firefly males “know” to ignore other glowing insects and hone in only on their own species' faint signal?
Is there any courtship between male and female ghost fireflies or is it purely a search-and-locate mission?
Crosscutting Concepts: Cause and Effect: Mechanism & Exploration
Science Domain: Life Science  

NC Standard:  
LS.Bio.9 Understand natural selection as a mechanism for biological evolution.
NC Objective 
LS.Bio.9.4 Construct an explanation to explain how natural selection leads to adaptations within populations.

https://www.visitsmokies.org/blue-ghost-fireflies-when-and-where-to-find-them/
https://grahamcountytravel.com/fireflies-in-the-forest/
Video: The Blue Ghost Firefly: A Rare Spectacle in Hendersonville, NC | Faedra Travel Shorts 
https://youtu.be/R-YxgAAqKS0?si=S1CtwcosHgBjXw78
Video: What's Behind The Firefly's Glow | What's Inside? | Insider Science
https://youtu.be/CogHulTLH2g?si=1r2QRNP-R1OP7a67
 Video: Glow of Love: The Secret Language Fireflies Use to Find Mates | PBS Terra 
https://youtu.be/cgvQaY_COrg?si=QWsobCIZBmJo4kAs



 


 



 

Related Topics