Whose work first showed that some beetles can produce light through bioluminescence?

Scientists and naturalists have long been fascinated by insects that make their own light. Fireflies and glow-worms, which are beetles in the family Lampyridae, were among the best-known examples of bioluminescence described by early observers. Later research showed the light is produced by a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase. This discovery helped explain courtship signaling and defense in luminous insects. Bioluminescent beetles remain a classic example of how chemistry and evolution intersect.