FT_Weekend_Magazine_-_April_4-5_2020

32 FT.COM/MAGAZINE APRIL 4/ 52020

From top: malePhotinuscarolinusfirefliessynchronise their flashesin

apattern to attract prospectivemates; individual firefliesflash just after

dusk; later in the night, as competition to impressincreases, thousands

of the male firefliesflash in unison

FT.COM/MAGAZINE APRIL 4/ 52020 33

Photuris tremulansfireflies, known as Christmas lights, produce quick, single flashes

‘Thedistinctivebioluminescenceofthefireflyisacourtship

displayandameansofcommunication;oncetheyhavefound

amateandensuredthesurvivalofthenextgeneration,theydie’