"... The Lampyridae are a family of elateroid beetles with more than 2,000 described species, many of which are light-emitting. They are soft-bodied beetles commonly called fireflies, lightning bugs, or glowworms for their conspicuous production of light, mainly during twilight, to attract mates. ..."
From Experience
Children ran and laughed in the twilight of a warm summer evening. Fireflies danced on the lightest of breezes. The children's way was lit by glass jar lanterns containing fireflies. The jars were stocked with firefly chow (grass). The jar lids had breathing holes punched in them. The fireflies may not remember this quite as fondly.
From Technology
There was a time when, at night, the house would be dark after turning off lamps and overhead lights. Incandescent or neon pilot lights confirmed what could be seen or heard. Off switches stopped the current flow.
Today it's only twilight with all the switches off. Light emitting diodes (LEDs), ubiquitous, digital fireflies, account for the difference. Digital off controls don't interrupt current flow. The controlled objects are at rest, not off. The rest state saves hardware wear and tear while using little power. Devices such as routers operate full time with LEDs ablaze!.
The home office looks like a personal Combat Information Center. Points of blue, green, orange, red and yellow emanate from LEDs. Clusters of LEDs indicate degree of digital readiness. LEDs do add a whimsical touch of light and color.
When will LEDs, aboard firefly-sized drones, dance on the lightest of breezes?
Related Link:
"Swiss Army Phone 2.0"