A beach suddenly lights up with every crashing wave. A tiny insect flashes through a dark forest. Thousands of glowing dots turn the ceiling of a cave into what looks like a starry sky. It may seem like something out of a fantasy film, but these spectacles are created by real animals. For some, glowing is a way to find a mate. For others, it’s a clever trick to catch food or stay alive.
Here are five animals that literally light up the dark.
Images Canva (for representative purposes only)

