Synchronous Rhythmic Flashing of Fireflies. II.

1988/09/01 by John Buck, John D. Buck · 728 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Neuroscience · Psychology · #Biology #Communication #Computer science #Ecology #Evolutionary biology #Firefly protocol #Flash (photography) #Flashing #Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research #Neuroscience #Photoreceptor and optogenetics research #Psychology #Rhythm #Synchronism #bioluminescence and chemiluminescence research

paper · doi:10.1086/415929

published in The Quarterly Review of Biology 63(3), 265-289 (University of Chicago Press)

openalex publication_date 1988/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/06

Abstract

Synchronized flashing by males of some firefly species involves a capacity for visually coordinated, rhythmically coincident, inter-individual behavior that is apparently unique in the animal kingdom except for a few other arthropods and for man. This paper reviews (1) diverse communicative interactions that have evolved from elementary photic signals, (2) physiological mechanisms of synchronism, and (3) theories about its biological meaning. Work of the past 20 years shows that flash synchrony is widespread geographically and taxonomically, appears in an astonishing range of spectacular display types, utilizes several neural flash-control mechanisms and is pervasively but enigmatically involved in courtship. No proposed function for synchrony has been fully established but theory and physiology concur in indicating that synchrony aids male orientation toward the female, female recognition of male flashing, or both. Increased mate choice for the female is one likely ultimate benefit.

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