Critter Spotlight – Firefly Fundays

Fireflies, or lightning bugs, begin to be active in the late weeks of May and early weeks of June. Fireflies are found throughout North America, but they are especially common in the Southeast.

These beetles produce light in specialized organs in their abdomens. An enzyme called luciferase acts on luciferin, a light-emitting compound, creating their characteristic blinking glow. Depending on the species, the wavelength of light produced ranges from 510 to 670 nm, flashing shades of yellow, green, or pale red.

There are over 2,000 recognized species of firefly, divided among 11 subfamilies. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss, harmful pesticides, invasive species, and light pollution, many firefly populations are in decline, with at least 18 species considered at risk of extinction.

Like many insect species, we can help our little neighbors by avoiding pesticides, replacing invasive plant species with natives, and leaving piles of leaves, sticks, pine straw, and other plant debris where they lie. As untidy as they may appear, these natural materials provide crucial habitat for fireflies throughout their life cycle.

Map of firefly activity in North/Central America