Blinks and Links
An introduction to fireflies and related topics as presented by Terry Lynch
Artist, Poet, Philosopher and Naturalist
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The courtship of Photinus pyralis, a large firefly which occurs in the southeastern United States, frequently results in an orgy with numerous males attempting to copulate with a female. This behavior which occurs in nature can easily be duplicated and observed by placing males and females inside a jar. In nature males could easily fly away in search of other females, which they often do, but sometimes a number of males will remain in the presence of the female even after she has copulated, probably as a result of her odor, which compels the males to attempt to mate. For additional pictures of fireflies and their larvae visit the Photinus pyralis Gallery. |
A fascination for fireflies illuminates a young mind
Light Dance of the Firefly
What is that glowing orb
Which flickers through the night
Bobbing oh so bright,
Bringing wonder to the woods,
Magic to the meadow,
Sparkle and delight
To all children's eyes?
Why it's the courtship dance
Of the fireflies
Flashing in synchrony,
Their signaling a song
Played in light
As crickets do
Chirp in tune.
TAL
1 March 1999
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I began my studies of fireflies and other insects while in high school, reading every article related to fireflies that I
could get my hands on and conducting observations in my backyard laboratory. By 1968 I had learned much from these mason jar experiments and my curiosity was so sparked that this led my visiting with Dr. John Bonner Buck at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda Maryland. Dr. Buck was one of the first people to make scientific studies of fireflies, trying to determine how they could flash in synchrony. In his youth he also studied Photinus pyralis, a species of firefly I was most interested in, given it occurred throughout the southeastern U.S. and was the species most easily collected in my backyard.
My early studies of fireflies included repeating with Photinus
pyralis the classic experiment by the French physiologist, Raphael Dubois, into the nature
of bioluminescence. This experiment sparked my curiosity and I
later made a number of original observations and discoveries related
to the species Photinus pyralis.
My early firefly studies and observations are reviewed in Firefly Notebooks: Techniques with respect to the collection, observation and rearing of the firefly P. pyralis and Photuris with notes upon the feeding behavior of Photinid and Photuris larvae and the implications these contrasting behaviors have on evolution of the species in fireflies.
I was the first person to
observe that the adults of P. pyralis exhibits two distinct preflight behaviors:
a rest position and an alert position. I also developed a method for
collecting and rearing P. pyralis from the egg stage through
the first instar larvae stage. I believe I was the first person to
note that diethyl ether could be used to enhance and increase the
duration of the glow of very small young larvae to enable their easy
collection. I also discovered that the life span of P. pyralis
could be extended feeding the adults beetles a honey/water mixture.
In 1968-69, I also observed the effect upon spider venom upon the
flashing of P. pyralis when this species was captured by a
wolf spider Lycosa sp. At least in some cases these big,
nocturnal hunting spiders don't seem to be effected either by the
flashing of P. pyralis or the taste of its milky white blood,
which has been recorded by Thomas Eisner of Cornell University to
repel some predators, particularly daylight active jumping spiders. I
suspect the apparent immunity of some nocturnal spiders to the the
repellant nature of lucibafagins may be an evolutionary
characteristic expressed by spiders because it is at least as
advantageous to the survival of these spiders as it is for Photinus
to avoid becoming spider food.
While visiting briefly with Dr. Buck in 1968, he showed me my
first living railroad worms and encouraged me to seek out Dr.
James E. Lloyd at the University of Florida which I did in 1970.
I spent a few months at the Department of Entomology and Nematology
where Dr. Lloyd taught courses in entomology and audited his
Entomology 101 course. During this short period I labored to collect
and rare fireflies but found this to be a daunting task, given little
was known about the diet of young firefly larvae. Because I was not
in an economically stable situation, I had to interrupt these early studies.
However my interest in fireflies and luminescent animals has not
waned. Rather it has matured through time. Over the years I've had
the opportunity to teach myself much about entomology and insect
behavior in general, having read and studied widely upon the subject
of insect communication and firefly behavior. Because I've studied
fireflies from the perspective of an amateur naturalist rather than
an academic professional, I bring a different perspective to the
arena. That is to say the romance and poetry associated with these
marvelous insects interests me as much as the mysteries associated
with their courtship behavior.
Some of my most recent work with P. pyralis is presented in Firefly Mysteries
Revelations related to the egg, embryo, early instar and behavior of Photinus pyralis larvae with respect to gregarious feeding behavior, vivisection of host food via digestive enzymes, interring of earthworms and proof larvae use eyes and lanterns to form aggregates. This report includes photographs of P. pyralis and presents original research detailing rearing techniques and aspects of P. pyralis larvae behavior never before sited in the scientific literature. A challenge for investigators is offered with emphasis on the role firefly larvae may play in research into the genetic key codes which link and differentiate flash pattern to species.
Having reviewed much of the scientific literature written upon
fireflies, I have an intimate knowledge of these insects. Because no
degrees or professional jealousies are attached to my studies I may
relate them in an open, free, noncompetitive manner, my purpose in
doing so only to inspire other young naturalist to study fireflies.
Given I am a web master with a certain love for firefly studies, I'm
endeavoring to create a firefly world upon the Internet which may
help educate and motivate other young entomologists and amateur scientists
I have also had occasion to dabble somewhat in the study of
aphids, crickets, cockroaches, flies and other insects. One of my
most interesting observation is that of alate Drosophila melanogaster
and its response to acceleration. In genetics laboratories the
vestigial variety of this fly is reared because it can not so easily
escape into the laboratory. Hence these flightless fruit flies with
their partially formed wings are the most commonly studied varieties.
Yet I reared and studied the alate, wild variety, keeping a culture
going for well over a year in my kitchen so I might observe their
mating behavior and experiment with various culture media. I was most
impressed by the reaction of these flies to a sudden acceleration.
See Application
of Torque to Induced Simultaneous Flight Response and Synchrony in Drosophila
sp.
The winged Drosophila, reared in mass, exhibit a
synchronous response to change in motion. It appears to be
acceleration, not perception of motion (as a hand waving to alert the
resting flies), which causes these flies to jump and fly. When a
mason jar containing several thousand alate Drosophila is
suddenly rotated the fruit flies leap in synchrony to the sudden
induced torque. This is a case where a synchronous response results
because each individual responds to the same physical perception of a
change in force. It may be similar in nature to the response of
individual fireflies tending to blink in unison to the same physical
perception of light flashing which then results in the synchronous
blinking of individuals in mass.
Synchrony in fireflies is the result of a physical stimulus, the
perception of a light flash, and then a response, in this case a
flash of light. Although it may seem difficult to understand how a
mass of fireflies can blink in synchrony, it becomes easier to
understand when one observes that each individual initially responds
by blinking in response to another's flash. Obviously as each
individual joins a flashing group, you end up with a mass of
synchronous flashing fireflies. Seeing a mass of Drosophila melanogaster
exhibit a synchronous response is what made me realize synchronicity
in fireflies was nothing more than such a basic stimulus-response
reaction which takes upon its own majesty and mystery when observed
in mass!
Although the stimulus-response reaction in fireflies may be
somewhat more complicated, given it involves interplay between
individuals, it is basically the same type of stimulus-response
observed in its most basic form in alate Drosophila responding
in mass to change in torque. What is most interesting about this
observation of basic synchrony is that it may be easily repeated and
observed by anyone who takes the time to rare wild fruit files. Hence
it is an observation that may be enjoyed and shared with any group of
students studying entomology or animal behavior. In fact it is a lot
easier to observe the synchronous response of Drosophila to
change in torque, than to fly to Bangkok to observe fireflies
blinking in synchrony in the mangroves.
I invite you to explore these links and write to me if you find
this site useful. I am especially interested in hearing from anyone
who is actively conducting work with fireflies or other luminescent
animals and may have articles or links I may add to this site. Also I
would like to add links to pages related to insect communication or
entomology and the natural sciences in general. If you have a web
page dedicated to the natural sciences, let me know. Please reply to:
Terry Lynch.
4 March, 1999
Original Reports and Sites by T. A. Lynch
The Adoration of Arthropods
Fireflies, insects and other arthropods as pets, live jewelry, objects of adoration and subjects used in commercial advertising and marketing for profit and/or exploitation
The Angel of Death This creature is Nature's ultimate weapon having killed more people than all the wars throughout history! It is irresponsible for the world community to accept over one million deaths each year due to mosquito transmitted disease and over 300 - 500 million people to be infected by malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and other diseases transmitted by mosquito bites. You can help stop the slaughter and balance the equation by visiting and supporting the Angel of Life Foundation.
Death Angel's Eyes Aglow. A pulse of light illuminates the eye covered head of a male Angel of Death bringing forth visions of an unearthly alien spacecraft, like something right out of Star Wars or the X-Files, a deadly weapon protruding from its head capable of destroying species thousands of times its mass and reproducing itself ad infinitum, until that day when it might inherit the planet Earth. Photo Copyright 2005 by EArts.
New Project Firefly Forum
Please click on the link below to visit the Project Firefly Forum. Here you may network directly with other people around the nation and globe who are interested in the study and research of fireflies and bioluminescent organisms. This forum is designed for everyone who is interested in fireflies and nature study. Please participate with a spirit of goodwill for the benefit of people and the environment everywhere. You may post links to related sites, share photographs of fireflies, their larvae and/or other insects, and even participate in research projects. Everyone who is interested in fireflies and insect behavior, in general, is invited to participate and make a contribution of their knowledge, skills and abilities. Thank you!
Click on pic to visit the Project Firefly Forum. Make posts, get feedback.
- Firefly FAQ's Frequently Asked Questions About Fireflies
-
Firefly Mysteries
Revelations related to the egg, embryo, early instar and behavior of Photinus pyralis larvae with respect to gregarious feeding behavior, vivisection of host food via digestive enzymes, interring of earthworms and proof larvae use eyes and lanterns to form aggregates. This report includes photographs of P. pyralis and presents original research detailing rearing techniques and aspects of P. pyralis larvae behavior never before sited in the scientific literature. A challenge for investigators is offered with emphasis on the role firefly larvae may play in research into the genetic key codes which link and differentiate flash pattern to species.
- Flash Keys in Fireflies by Terry Lynch: Impressions and considerations with reference to the role of nitric oxide (NO) in firefly flash and the implication this has with respect to the timed delay between flashes of species and other related flash behavior. June 29, 2001, 16:40hrs.
- Firefly Notebooks: How to rear fireflies by Terry Lynch Techniques with respect to the collection, observation and rearing of the firefly P. pyralis and Photuris with notes upon the feeding behavior of Photinid and Photuris larvae and the implications these contrasting behaviors have on evolution of the species in fireflies. Presents photomicrographs, drawings, diagrams and methodology with respect to original research related to the rearing of fireflies.
- Feeding behavior of Photinid larvae Model used to illustrate probably sequence with respect to predation of P. pyralis on earthworms.
- Firefly Safe Zones: Strategies for Reintroduction, Preservation and Maintenance of Vigorous Firefly Populations
- Fireflies vs. Humans: More Alien than Alien: Which is the more alien species homo sapiens or P. pyralis?
- GEO: Bioluminescent Springtail of Christchurch, New Zealand Original photo micrographs of a little known species of bioluminescent Collembola, Anurida granaria (Nicolet, 1847) are presented to celebrate the beauty and splendor of this Springtail from down under. Site includes guest book, gallery, links and updates.
- The Urban Jungle: Alien fungi and other wondrous flora and fauna of backyard America
- Photinus pyralis Gallery: Microphotographs of embryonic firefly and early instar larvae
Photinus pyralis I-instar larva is almost translucent when it first emerges from its egg case. This affords an excellent opportunity to photograph the young larvae and observe internal structures. To see more photographs visit the Firefly Gallery. |
The Firefly Gallery Help save the firefly! The proceeds from these charming design items will be used to support firefly studies and research and advocate preservation of the environment and fireflies.
Firefly Help & Links A general reference of firefly help and links
Project Firefly If you are a university student, graduate student or professor and interested in serious firefly research, please join Project Firefly. By adding your name to the list others interested in firefly research around the world may network with you.
Fireflies Are My Friends. This adorable and educational design shows the flight patterns of different species of fireflies and gives them the names or real people to help promote the preservation and protection of firefly habitats.
Because firefly habitats are being destroyed at alarming rates, wetlands being drained to build resorts, forested areas being clear cut and burned, the virgin rain forests being raped and plundered for profit, it is vital that people be made aware of how greedy industrialist are destroying the environment. Hence I took the above firefly flight pattern design and gave fireflies the names of real people to make an emotional appeal for the preservation and protection of firefly habitats. Please buy these gifts and apparel and help the Go Green campaign to recycle, conserve and protect our natural resources, wildlife and the environment that tomorrow there will still be fireflies to grace our lives and to show our children
The amateur naturalist is not an amateur in terms of skill or ability; rather, is one who loves the study of nature and all its many and beautiful natural life forms. As such an amateur naturalist is not motivated by profit so much as by curiosity. He or she who is an amateur naturalist is motivated by the joy of learning about the mysteries of our universe, its grandeur and wonder. The amateur naturalist studies nature for the same reason a mountain climber attains to the highest peak: because it is there!
In the future I will be posting experiments and
observations for the amateur naturalist. These may include challenges
and exercises for those who are interested in nature study. My goal
here is to inspire other young people and hobbyist to learn from
their first hand study of the natural universe. Links may also be
provided to sites on the Internet which explore or present some
aspect of natural science study. Included may be art or literature
which relates to or is inspired by observation of nature.
How you can help
If you are interested in the study of bioluminescence, the collection, study and rearing of bioluminescent species or have some expertise in these or related matters and would like to collaborate in future studies or share in correspondence please contact Terry Lynch. Also, if you like this site or have some comments, please sign the guest book below. Thanks!
Bioluminus Guest book
Sign Guest book
View Guest book
General Firefly Links
- Firefly via Yahoo
-
Photinus
via Yahoo
- Photinus
pyralis via Yahoo
The Fireflyer Companion and Letter by Professor James E. Lloyd aka The Firefly Doctor.
- Firefly Links by Donald Ray Burger, Attorney at Law A good collection of firefly links by a Houston attorney who dreams of bringing back fireflies to the Houston, Texas skies.
- Firefly Flash Communication Strobed I.R.-illuminated video of male Photinus pyralis in flight by James F. Case
- Pic
of Photinus
- Love
can be lethal for male fireflies Cornell
Study regarding Photuris
eating Photinus.
- Lured
and Liquidated Gullible male fireflies
supply 'femmes fatales' with a lifesaving chemical Cornell biologist
report mimicry and murder in the night. Excellent photos of Photuris
preying upon Photinus
and spiders preying on Photuris.
- Bioluminescent
Communication Home page of Dr. Michael D.
Greenfield who studies biocommunication
- Female
fireflies prefer flashiest males by Kay Albright
- Article
by J. E. Lloyd of Jamaican Flower firefly
This is one variety of firefly Lloyd recommends be studied as it is
unique in its behavior. Requires Acrobat
Reader.
- Sexual
selection in fireflies by A. D. Carlson
and Vencl, F. V. Has nice pic of P. pyralis.
- The
Firefly Files Produced by Marc
A. Branham of Ohio State University, this
site is, "dedicated to the sparks of bioluminescent light that
inspire awe and wonder around the earth."
- Earth
and Sky. A script about fireflies from the
radio program.
- Summer
Night Lights A brief introduction to
fireflies by Genny Fennucchi for young people
- Search
Florida Entomologist for
Firefly = 5 hits 3 Mar 1999
Florida
Entomologist, v. 81, n. 3, p. 261
Florida
Entomologist, v. 80, n. 1, p. 120
Florida
Entomologist, v. 81, n. 3, p. 282
Florida
Entomologist, v. 81, n. 2, p. 243
Florida
Entomologist, v. 80, n. 1, p. 132
Bioluminescence and Marine Bioluminescence
-
Bioluminescence
in Fireflies The luciferase-luciferin
reaction in Photinus pyralis by Terry Lynch.
- UCSB Bioluminescence
A bioluminescence web site from the University of California Santa Barbara.
- Earth
and Sky Trans. Transcripts about
bioluminescence from the radio program.
- Analysis
of firefly lucirferas A very interesting
article on the genetic structure of this protein
- Bioluminescence
Genetic Transplants This site reviews
experiments which transplant the bioluminescent luciferase gene (ptac
Luc) of P. pyralis
into bacteria and the medical or other applications of this technology
- Lucirferase
Reporter Gene Detection This site presents
applications and techniques using the luciferin/luciferase light
production reaction and its applications to measure ATP,
cytotoxicity, etc.
General Entomology Links
Hot Books: Entomology
Amazon.com-- These are just a few of the hundreds of books that are in print on entomology and insect study. I recommend that you search for your favorite book on Amazon.com. Suggested search words are: entomology, insects, spiders, behavior, beetles, bees, honeybee, etc. You may use the convenient search engine below.
Associated Links
Enjoy exploring these other popular sites
Over 1-million children die from mosquito borne disease every year!
Patriotica newyorkus
This design entitled Patriotica newyorkus is a humorous play upon the fact that after 9-11 even the cockroaches are patriotic. This design features an American cockroach that has evolved to display an American flag upon its elytra. Around the boarder of the design is inscribed "After 9-11 even the cockroaches are patriotic - God bless America! - Patriotica newyorkus - American Cockroaches."
Click on pic to purchase
Patriotica newyorkus |
Please note that this design is intended to express how profound has been the surge in American patriotism since 9-11 and in no way is intended to disparage the American flag, given it is the view of the artist that cockroaches are God's creation and are miracles and wonders of life which have a purpose and place in nature.
FRONT and Back
Click on pic to purchase
Patriotica newyorkus
Available on T-shirts, sweatshirts, jerseys, mugs, caps, tote bags and other quality items through
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Acknowledgements
This site was created using Hotdog. The background art was produced from a set of quick ink sketches by Terry Lynch of Photinus pyralis which were digitally enhanced to create flashing fireflies. Many of the Natural Science links were located using Yahoo, Google, Info Seek, Excite or other search engines. Special thanks to CafePress for providing its on-line graphic reproduction and merchandising service. This site is best viewed with MS Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Blinks and Links, Project K9, EArts, USA News Links, Global Friendship Network, Go USA and The Amateur Naturalist by TAL are the copyright property of Electronic Arts and Terry Lynch.
Associated Sites
You are invited to visit these associated sites produced by Terry Lynch. Lynch has expertise as a naturalist, photographer, scientific and technical illustrator and web master.
Firefly FAQs | Firefly Mysteries | Flash Keys in Fireflies | Firefly Notebooks: How to rear fireflies by Terry Lynch | Feeding behavior of Photinid larvae | Firefly Safe Zones: Strategies for Reintroduction, Preservation and Maintenance of Vigorous Firefly Populations | Fireflies vs. Humans: More Alien than Alien: | The Urban Jungle: Alien fungi and other wondrous flora and fauna of backyard America | GEO: Bioluminescent Springtail of Christchurch, New Zealand | Photinus pyralis Gallery: Microphotographs of embryonic firefly and early instar larvae | The Firefly Gallery | Firefly Help & Links | Project Firefly | The Angel of Death | International Slug Fest | International Spider Fest | International Butterfly Fest | Butterfly Magic | Contact
Copyright © 1999 - 2006 by Terry Lynch. All Rights Reserved.
