Fatal Attraction: Insect Edition

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The Deceptive Seduction of Femme Fatale Fireflies

In the buzzin’ firefly nightlife scene, neon lights glow bright and sparks fly. But, there’s murder on the dancefloor… The infamous 'Femme Fatale' firefly has mastered the ultimate bait-and-switch seduction strategy, and these sly flies (that are really beetles, actually) aren’t interested in a happily ever after, instead they’re looking for a ‘one-bite stand.’

Get consumed in this episode by one of nature’s flashiest insects. Join host, Dr. Kaylee Byers, as she chats with Dr. Sarah Lower about the enchanting world of glow beetles. And later, Dr. Peter Andolfatto reveals how genomics is uncovering the secrets behind how Femme Fatale fireflies have evolved to resort to such drastic measures. Plus, find out what studying firefly toxin DNA could mean for future medical breakthroughs.

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Highlights:

(5:40) Dr. Sarah Lower covers some firefly basics

(12:11) Dr. Lower on the deceptive strategy of the Femme Fatale Fireflies

(19:21) Dr. Andolfatto explains how fireflies have evolved difference resistance strategies to toxins

(26:02) Dr. Lower on how to get involved in firefly conservation

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Learn-A-Long: https://bit.ly/3OODRUb

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Resources:

1. A Comprehensive Review of Firefly Conservation - NCBI

2. Firefly Genome and Its Role in Bioluminescence - Science Advances

3. Patterns of Firefly Species Extinction Risk - PNAS Nexus

4. Fireflies: Species at Risk of Extinction - Xerces Society

5. Sarah Lower - Faculty at Bucknell University - Bucknell University

6. Andolfatto Lab - Andolfatto Lab

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