The discovery of a giant cockroach, Lucihormetica luckae, turned
out to be a big deal when scientist realized what it could do.
Lucihormetica luckae was found to be the first land-based
species we know about that uses bioluminescence for defensive
mimicry. Such defensive mimicry is common among marine
organisms, but unheard of for “terrestrial biota.” The
bioluminescence takes the form of three spots (two large, one
small) on the back of the cockroach. Each is filled with
bacteria that glows when exposed to fluorescent light. The
effect is intensified by the fact the spots are covered by a
reflective surface, making them act in similar to headlights.
When viewed under the right lighting conditions the cockroach
actually takes on the look of a Jawa from Star Wars and almost
completely hides its own body in light. What it is actually
trying to do, is defend against Pyrophorus — a toxic click
beetle that shares its habitat… or at least did. Unfortunately,
we may never know any more about Lucihormetica luckae. It