Could people harness the bioluminescence of a firefly?
The world I am creating is in a swamp that contains larger than life bugs; this includes fireflies. What I ask is, could the bioluminescence of their glow somehow be harnessed or used as a light source?
More Info:
- The fireflies are around the size of a human (about 5ft 5inches).
- The people are more on the primitive side as they don't have the modern technology we do, and their main source of light is through fire.
- They have basic metal and clay skills to make pots or handing lamps; they can also make a very basic form of glass.
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1 answer
Firefly lanterns are a thing.
Put any males that arrive into your lantern. At least 40 fireflies per lantern should give you plenty of light. Release them, unharmed, the next day.
With your humans and fireflies about the same size, one firefly will give enough light for a lantern's worth. A handful around an encampment should be plenty for the night. Entice them and care for them and feed them well so they'll stay voluntarily. Your community can capture them and put them on a harness if they want, but voluntary is always nicer.
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