Image: Bioluminescent beetle Elateroidea - animated

Description: Animated GIF of a bioluminescent beetle Elateroidea (Lampyridae Ototretinae Stenocladius or Rhagophthalmidae), moving on a leaf. This specimen measures about 20 mm (0.79 in). The species produces and emits light, via a chemical reaction during which chemical energy is converted into light energy. The principal chemical reaction in bioluminescence involves some light-emitting molecule and an enzyme, generally called the luciferin and the luciferase, respectively. Oxidation of organic compounds induces photon emission. The intensity of this light can be perceived by the human eye in a radius of 2 m (6.6 ft). At any time, the insect can also decrease the intensity or even completely stop emitting its light (example here). Bioluminescent beetle species are in regression in the World because of the phenomenon of light pollution, insecticides and climate change. This specimen comes from the island of Don Det, Si Phan Don, Laos, in a wild area far from any major city.
Title: Bioluminescent beetle Elateroidea - animated
Credit: Own work
Author: Basile Morin
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0
License: CC BY-SA 4.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Attribution Required?: Yes