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#12Animals28 July 2026

Why do fireflies glow?

Warm yellow fireflies illuminating a tranquil summer forest at dusk
Fireflies produce 100% cold light through bioluminescence. Inside their lantern organ, the molecule luciferin combines with oxygen, ATP, and calcium catalyzed by luciferase. The resulting flashes serve as courtship dialogue, with every species flashing distinct Morse-like rhythms.
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