In tropical and temperate regions like in Kenya, the fire fly is recognized by the flashing light it uses to attract a mate. Interestingly the fire fly’s light is superior to the incandescent and fluorescent light produced by human beings. In fact the next time you look at the electric bulb think what this small creature can do.
If you consider an incandescent light bulb emits only ten percent of its energy as light, and the rest is basically wasted, discharged as heat. A fluorescent bulb is a bit better emitting ninety percent of its energy as light, but neither of this two is comparable to the fire fly, with very few ultra violet or infra red rays, the light emitted by this insect is almost one hundred percent efficient.
The firefly’s secret lies in the chemical reaction of the substance luciferin, the enzyme luciferase and oxygen. Special cells called photocytes use luciferase to trigger this process with oxygen as fuel. The result is cold light, its called cold light since it virtually produces no heat. It’s a must the inventor of light bulb Thomas Edison must have been envious of fire flies.
ETT- Kenya Safaris Desk
Etton Travel and Tours
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