Fireflies

Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, are fascinating creatures. Did you know that they are not truly flies, but actually beetles?

Fireflies are found all over the world, living in forests and fields. Fireflies do not venture far from where they are born as they use the litter of the forest floor near streams and ponds for their breeding ground.

Fireflies have a luminescent glow and they use this light to communicate with each other. The color of that light is often determined by their species and can be yellow, orange, green or blue.

Extinction

Fireflies are risking extinction, for several reasons. The environment they thrive in is shrinking due to the development of forests. Light pollution which is the brightening of the night sky by street lights and other man-made light, affects fireflies survival by limiting their ability to communicate and attract a mate because their light is not always seen or recognized.

Although, scientists are still finding new species of fireflies, so all may not be lost, they may be adapting to the changing environment around them.

Firefly Habitat

If you live in an area where fireflies are found and you want to help with firefly survival, have a firefly habitat in your yard.

Let your lawn grow, fireflies like long grass.
Install a water feature in your garden.
Plant some trees (they like pine) to give the larvae someplace to develop and grow.
Keep rotten logs and other forest canopy litter instead of getting rid of it.
Turn off lights outside; it interferes with mating.
Avoid using commercial pesticides.
Use natural fertilizer.

Keeping Fireflies in a Jar

We often see pictures of fireflies in jars, but is it OK to catch them? If you are careful, treat them gently and release them; you could keep them in a jar for a limited time, but it is not advised for long periods of time.

Fun Facts About the Firefly