Genetic switches that turn on fireflies discovered. They regulate the development and functioning of the lantern in the abdomen.
In fireflies, bioluminescence performs several very important functions for survival. During the juvenile phase, the light emitted by the lantern helps to repel predators. In adults the mode and rhythm of flashing play a key role in courtship. Each species of firefly has a unique flashing pattern, which acts as a signal to identify a suitable partner. The study was led by the Huazhong Agricultural University of Wuhan.