Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, are actually soft-bodied beetles (family Lampyridae) rather than true flies. They are famous for their bioluminescence, producing a cold, highly efficient light through a chemical reaction to attract mates, defend against predators, and communicate. The silent firefly (Photinus indictus) is a day-flying species of firefly found across North and South America. Unlike nocturnal fireflies, adults lack light-producing lanterns on their abdomens and instead rely entirely on pheromones to locate mates. On the other hand, their larvae are bioluminescent and likely live below the soil surface, eating snails, worms, and other soft-bodied invertebrates. I met this silent firefly in a nice park on the outskirts of Puyo.