These light-up insects put on the most magical show of the summer.

It's a right of passage in Iowa: Stepping out into your backyard to see fireflies lighting up the night sky. There are more than 170 species of glowing insects known as Lampyridae in North America.

Whether you like to call them fireflies or lightning bugs, there's no denying that they are fascinating to watch on a warm summer evening. But have you wondered what makes these tiny bugs light up?

While putting out our recycling bin last Sunday night, I was elated to see the first lightning bugs of the year flashing their love lights to one another. There were only a few, but I excitedly ...