Perhaps once collected in a jar or observed from the palm of your hand, fireflies are curious creatures that communicate via a yellow glow. They are especially chatty on hot summer nights.
Fireflies (or lightning bugs) prefer hot and humid weather. They emerge when temperatures become warm typically around May or mid-June. Residents can expect to see more fireflies over the summer after a mild winter and a rainy spring, according to the Farmers’ Almanac. At dusk or later in the night they become active creating quite the spectacle.
Their ability to create light is credited to a process called bioluminescence. Fireflies can control the chemical reaction inside their light organ located in their lower abdomen.
Species of jellyfish, shrimp, shark, squid and other marine animal share the same ability.
According to NC State University, fireflies use bioluminescence to intimidate predators, attract a mate and even communicate.
In North America, there are hundreds of firefly species with three main groups, called photinus, pyractomena and photuris, based on Mass Audubon, and they vary in size and even the color of their light. For example, pyractomena fireflies flash an amber color, while photinus flash a yellow-green.
Though fireflies are frequent in Michigan this summer, their populations overall are threatened due to habitat loss and light pollution, according to Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
As fireflies continue to flash, sparkle and possibly inspire a child-like wonder, here’s more on these species in Michigan:
Why do fireflies light up?
Fireflies communicate via flashes of their light to attract mates, deter predators or claim territory, according to Firefly Conservation and Research.
Flashes are unique to firefly species, though the photinus carolinus fireflies flash in synchronization — a rare, temporary behavior that occurs during the summertime, and previously observed in many national parks.
“Each species of firefly has its own pattern. Many fireflies look similar, so these flash patterns help to identify particular firefly species,” Mass Audubon said.
Both male and female fireflies have the ability to create light, though to tell them apart, males have a larger light organ covering two segments of their bodies, while females’ light organs are typically smaller.
Are fireflies a beetle?
The common eastern firefly species (photinus pyralis). Photo taken at 9:30 p.m. in Okemos, Michigan.
Yes, fireflies are beetles and they belong to the insect order called coleoptera and the insect family called Lampyridae — which means “to shine,” in Greek, according to Michigan State University’s Extension.
Like other species of beetles, fireflies have two pairs of wings with a shell-like covering to protect their wings, so while they are flying, their shell is raised upward to let their wings flap freely.
Do fireflies bite?
No, fireflies do not bite or sting humans. However, they may become a nuisance if a few accidently enter your house. According to pest control company Orkin, to keep fireflies out of your home, remove or reduce outdoor lightning so they only have their bioluminescence to rely on.
What do fireflies eat?
A graphic of the firefly life cycle. Following two years (or more) in the larval stage they pupate either alone or together in underground holes or slightly above the ground.
Fireflies are a predatory beetle and eat other insects like snails, slugs or worms. They go through a lengthy life cycle (up to 3 years) and spend most of their life in the larval stage underground, and at this stage they are “eating machines,” according to MSU’s Extension.
Not only do they have an appetite, but they have a fierce hunting strategy. According to Firefly Atlas, they inject a paralyzing neurotoxin into their prey then emit a digestive enzyme to liquefy them before eating.
Why are firefly populations going down?
According to Firefly Conservation and Research, the main factors disrupting firefly numbers are habitat loss and light pollution.
“Scientists have observed that synchronous fireflies get out of synch for a few minutes after a car’s headlights pass,” the research-based organization said. “Light from homes, cars, stores, and streetlights may all make it difficult for fireflies to signal each other during mating — meaning fewer firefly larvae are born next season,” the organization said.”
Here are a few ways to help steady their populations from your backyard:
Turn off outdoor lighting
Avoid using pesticides or weed killers
Plant native trees, like pine trees
In addition, people may report their firefly sightings to help track their distribution nationally. Firefly Atlas, a conservation organization, features a tracker for members (after creating an account) to submit their sightings.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Fireflies in Michigan: What to know about their glow, life cycle