A lightning bug's light is produced through a chemical process called bioluminescence. The process involves the firefly taking oxygen into its body and combining it with another substance called luciferin inside special cells. The light shines from the lower abdomen in various colors, including yellow, green or pale red. The light fireflies produce is cold light, meaning it is not infrared or hot. These insects have organs which exist only as light producers.
In the larval stage as they are developing into adults, lightning bugs are known as glow worms because they look like glowing worms due to their bioluminescent organs that shine through their bodies. Larvae are often found in wet areas like marshes or in wooded areas. Females also leave their eggs underground. Larvae feed on worms and slugs that they paralyze with a special fluid. These bugs grow into adulthood throughout the world in temperate and tropical environments. Adults eat nectar and pollen. Even though they are called glow worms, fireflies are insects.
Lightning bugs sleep or hibernate in winter. They use this technique to survive the harsh cold of the season due to their inability to produce body heat. They either seek protection underground or rest beneath the bark of trees and come out of hibernation in the spring.
It was once believed that the light emitted in lightning bugs was considered some type of warning signal used among the insects. It is now known that the light produced is actually used for mate selection. Steady glows and flashing signals communicate courtship rituals with potential mates. Scientists have not been able to determine how fireflies control the light their bodies produce.