fireflies and stars
On warm, humid summer nights in the Midwestern US, thousands of beetles (Photuris lucicrescens) flash light from their lower abdomens as they fly about looking for mates. The light is produced by a chemical called luciferin in the presence of an enzyme (luciferase), magnesium, oxygen and ATP. Most of the fireflies in this shot are stationary females waiting in the trees for males responding to their flashes. A 28 second exposure provided good opportunity for mosquitos to feast on the photographer.
fireflies and stars
On warm, humid summer nights in the Midwestern US, thousands of beetles (Photuris lucicrescens) flash light from their lower abdomens as they fly about looking for mates. The light is produced by a chemical called luciferin in the presence of an enzyme (luciferase), magnesium, oxygen and ATP. Most of the fireflies in this shot are stationary females waiting in the trees for males responding to their flashes. A 28 second exposure provided good opportunity for mosquitos to feast on the photographer.