Few insects are as visible as fireflies winging over a lawn while blinking their lights on and off. Nearly everyone loves summer’s silent firefly light show, and they are a special delight for children.
Also called lightning bugs, these insects are most common in the eastern half of North America. Firefly larvae live under bark, wood, and leaves in shady damp locations. Although they are luminous people rarely see these larvae lights hidden in woodsy debris. Immature fireflies devour insects and other small ground dwelling creatures. Adults don’t feed. They fly around flashing their lights solely to attract a mate. Some firefly species blink yellow, while others blink green.
A delightful childhood experience is chasing and catching evening fireflies to watch them blink their lights on and off in a jar. Close examination reveals that they are brown or blackish beetles about a quarter to a half-inch long. After a bit of viewing free the captives and let them continue to spangle the night with friendly light.
Fireflies are one of many desirable insects killed by insecticides. Better to shun spray and enjoy these remarkable and beautiful animals.
Join Marion Patterson for a Firefly Labyrinth Walk at Indian Creek Nature Center on Friday, June 5th. Register through the Nature Center. 1-319-362-0664 or on-line
