Genetics Behind Firefly’s Glow

Firefly lights have a gene structure that was a mystery to scientist till now. The person who found the reason for this light was Matthew Stansbury doing research at the Center for Insect Sciences at the University of Arizona. The gene responsible for the lighting is called the homeobox or the Hox gene. The Adb-B Hox gene is the gene found to be linked to the light more then the other Hox genes.The Hox gene lights the light or lantern, but it is also in charge of what genes go to each specific segment of the firefly. The Hox gene is responsible for the light but Stansbury could not find when or where it is when it activates. Stansbury and his professor hope that with this research it will open the door to more studies on charismatic insects.