How to Speak Firefly

Those light flashes created by fireflies are actually a quite complex language. The more than 200 species of firefly each have their own language. Each species uses a different combination of color, intensity and flash intervals.

As the male firefly cruises over the firefly community, he emits an automatic series of flashes. As he “talks” with flashes of light, he is looking for the appropriate response from a female who is ready to mate. Each species has its own light language, helping males to identify members of their own species. Females who are not ready to mate or who have already mated communicate these facts to the overhead male. Evidence indicates that at least one firefly species understands and can speak “foreign” firefly language. Females of this species will lure males of other species down by using the male’s language and pretending to be a female who is ready to mate. When the male comes close for mating, the female captures and eats him.

You can “speak” firefly, too, if you have a flashlight. First, you must cover the flashlight so that it emits only a tiny point of light. Then, after carefully watching the patterns of the female fireflies in the area, try to mimic that pattern. If you do this correctly, male fireflies will come to investigate your flashlight.

The intelligence that fills all of creation is one of the “fingerprints” of our intelligent Creator. Such intelligence cannot come from accidents.

John 8:12
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the light of the world. Instill within me a deeper appreciation for the gift of forgiveness of my sin so that I will find it easier to shun the darkness of the world and walk in the light of Your grace. Amen.

Ref: Science Digest, August, 1978, Page 59. Photo: Firefly by Bruce Marlin_CC By SA 2.5.J