Silent sparks
Subtitle: the wondrous world of fireflies
By: Sara Lewis
Published: 2016
Language: eng
Number of pages: 223
ISBN-13: 9780691162683
Copyright date: 2016
Subjects: Photuris; Fireflies
Other titles: Wondrous world of fireflies
Description: "For centuries, the beauty of fireflies has evoked wonder and delight. Yet for most of us, fireflies remain shrouded in mystery: How do fireflies make their light? What are they saying with their flashing? And what do fireflies look for in a mate? In Silent Sparks, noted biologist and firefly expert Sara Lewis dives into the fascinating world of fireflies and reveals the most up-to-date discoveries about these beloved insects. From the meadows of New England and the hills of the Great Smoky Mountains, to the rivers of Japan and mangrove forests of Malaysia, this beautifully illustrated and accessible book uncovers the remarkable, dramatic stories of birth, courtship, romance, sex, deceit, poison, and death among fireflies. The nearly two thousand species of fireflies worldwide have evolved in different ways -- and while most mate through the aerial language of blinking lights, not all do. Lewis introduces us to fireflies that don't light up at all, relying on wind-borne perfumes to find mates, and we encounter glow-worm fireflies, whose plump, wingless females never fly. We go behind the scenes to meet inquisitive scientists who have dedicated their lives to understanding fireflies, and we learn about various modern threats including light pollution and habitat destruction. In the last section of the book, Lewis provides a field guide for North American fireflies, enabling us to identify them in our own backyards and neighborhoods. This concise, handy guide includes distinguishing features, habits, and range maps for the most commonly encountered fireflies, as well as a gear list." --
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 207-216) and index.
Table of contents: title: Silent sparks; title: Lifestyles of the stars; title: Splendors in the grass; title: With this bling, I thee wed; title: Dreams of flying; title: The making of a flasher; title: Poisonous attractions; title: Lights out for fireflies?; title: Field guide to common fireflies; title: Stepping out: further firefly adventures.