Which of the following insects has a pigment called ‘luciferin’?

The correct answer is Firefly.

Key Points

• A pigment called luciferin is found in firefly.
• Luciferin is a light-emitting compound that is found in organisms that generate bioluminescence.
• Luciferins typically undergo an enzyme-catalyzed reaction with molecular oxygen.
• They mix oxygen with this pigment to generate light and a little heat.
• Fireflies are also known as lightening bugs or winged beetles.

Important Points

• Firefly:
  • Inside special cells, they combine oxygen with a substance called luciferin to make light with almost no heat.
  • They use this light, called bioluminescence, to light up the ends of their abdomen.
  • Each firefly species has its own unique flashing pattern.