firefly

== English == === Alternative forms === fire-fly === Etymology === Endocentric compound of fire +‎ fly, because the insects glow; whence also lightning bug. Compare glow fly, glowworm, and lanternfly. Compare typologically Ancient Greek λαμπυρίς (lampurís, “glowworm”) (<+ πῦρ (pûr)). === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈfaɪ.əˌflaɪ/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈfaɪ.ɚˌflaɪ/ === Noun === firefly (plural fireflies) (Northern US, Western US, Florida) Any beetle of the family Lampyridae, which exhibit bioluminescence during twilight. Synonyms: lightning beetle, lightning bug, glow fly 2000, Exploring Life Science, 2: Bats—Cave Life, Marshall Cavendish, page 96, Fireflies are the best-known insects that produce light. […] Many fireflies use their light to communicate, particularly at mating time when males and females have to get together. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === See also === glowworm === Further reading === Lampyridae on Wikispecies.Wikispecies