Researchers have been trying to mimic the structure of a firefly's lantern in order to create more energy efficient and brighter lights. A firefly has a cuticle on the outside of their body that has a unique structure to them. The structure is tile-like with over lapping scales made out of chitin. Firefly lanterns all have a photogenic layer under the cuticle which lets light pass through, and a dorsal layer which bounces light back up and out of the insect [1].
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