Lit-up frogs
![[Corel] Bullfrog eating an earthworm](2001-12-12-frogs-glow.jpg) Q: Will frogs glow if they eat enough fireflies? Carla, Grantham, Pennsylvania
A: "Yes. A frog or toad that has swallowed fireflies will glow from the light produced by the insects," says
Tom Turpin, entomology professor at Purdue University. Tom saw a toad swallow a firefly and then saw a
glow inside. So, the toad itself did not actually glow but Tom could see the firefly's glow through the toad's
body.
[Corel] Bullfrog eating an earthworm
The firefly's defense had failed. One reason a firefly glows is to tell predators he tastes bad.
"The chemicals that make the light are bitter," says Turpin. "Birds don't like to eat them. Predator insects
will begin eating the head, work their way back, and drop the [light-producing] abdomen."
(Answered by April Holladay, science correspondent, December 12, 2001)
Further Surfing:
Purdue News: Fireflies: science lesson in a jar
BillyBear4Kids.com: Frogs
|
