Who doesn’t love fireflies? This interactive and engaging family-friendly presentation was given by Ariel Firebaugh (aka Dr. Firefly), Director of Scientific Engagement, of Blandy Experimental Farm.  Naturalists of all ages joined us at the Ashburn Library on July 11 to learn about these fascinating insects.

Presenter Ariel Firebaugh.
Photo by Kim Strader

There are 2000 firefly species worldwide that are found on every continent except Antarctica. Virginia is host to 27 of North America’s 171 species. Fireflies are present year round, but we only notice them for a one to two month period when they are flashing adults. Fireflies flash to attract mates, and the males have a larger flashing lantern than females. Each species has its own flash pattern that helps in identifying them. Ariel warns that leaving the lights on at night can affect how often a firefly flash. Not flashing or fewer flashes result in less mating, thereby greatly decreasing firefly populations.

Fireflies spend most of their life (one to two years) as larvae living at, and below, the soil eating  earthworms, snails and grubs. While they look nothing like the adult, they do have the ability to glow. Ariel suggests going outside an hour or so after dark in October and look on the ground to find the fireflies’ glowing larvae. Because they spend so much of their life on the ground, it is extremely important that we:

• Avoid using pesticides or herbicides
• Leave the fallen leaves to provide some insulation during the cold winter months
• Use native plants in the landscape and leave some areas more natural
• Avoid mowing at sunset

Finding fireflies outside the library.
Photo by Kim Strader

Ariel said we do not know if fireflies are disappearing because of the limited amount of research and data collected, but she assured us there is a growing scientific community that is working to learn more. She encourages everyone, especially young naturalists, to become curious, ask questions and become engaged in community science. We can all become citizen scientists to help answer the question: are fireflies disappearing? Below are some resources to learn more about fireflies.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy website posts:

• “Firefly-Friendly Landscaping to Keep the Lights Blinking”
• “Inviting Fireflies to Your Yard”
• “No Matter What You Call Them – Fireflies are Fascinating”

Mass Audubon website for detailed information on the three groups of fireflies including flash patterns

The book Fireflies, glow-worms and lightening bugs!: Identification and Natural History of the Fireflies of the Eastern and Central United States and Canada by Lynn Frierson Faust is available through the Loudoun County Public Library.

Firefly Atlas website for information about fireflies and a community science project to survey their numbers

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