Firefly courtship involves the dynamic exchange of light flashes by males and females. Each species possesses a unique flash code in which information on the sex and species of the individual is conveyed by the timing of the flashes. In fireflies of the genus Photinus, males can synchronize their flashes in order to compete for a single female. Females of the species, Photuris versicolor, readily respond to their conspecific male's flash before mating. They are capable of responding to other flash patterns as well.
Mated females respond much more readily to other flash patterns.
Because it is possible to court female fireflies with stimulus flashes, their ability to respond to various flash patterns can be investigated. Out of these experiments a better understanding of brain function in this insect may emerge. This research is being conducted with Dr. Fredric Vencl. In the decerebrate cockroach the prothoracic leg can be trained to flex or to extend to escape shock. During the learning it is possible to record the activity of the small number of excitatory and inhibitory neurons that control the muscles of the femoral-tibial joint.