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Article: Fire in the night; Scientists seek illumination about fireflies' flashing light.(LIFE - SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY)
- Article from:
- The Washington Times (Washington, DC)
- Article date:
- May 8, 2003
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 News World Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Gabriella Boston, THE WASHINGTON TIMES
As a child - like many before and after him - Jim Lloyd was fascinated by fireflies but couldn't figure out why they lit
up and what made it happen.
Now, however, the 70-year-old professor of entomology at the University of Florida can answer that question - and frequently does when children across the nation send him letters, often in envelopes addressed only: "Fireflies," University of Florida, Gainesville.
"They use [the light] for mate-seeking, but there are some females who seem to use it for landing, too," Mr. Lloyd says.
It also can be used to lure prey and act as a defense ...