June 25, 2023: Jewels of Summer Nights
As we enter the summer season, thoughts go to warm summer days and those
mysterious insects that suddenly appear at dusk or early evening. Fireflies (aka lightning bugs/glow worms) are really not flies but beetles. The glow is the result of a chemical reaction that occurs in photocytes in the insect’s abdomen. The main purpose of the light show is to attract a mate. Males flash their light very quickly as this is what attracts females. The fireflies’ light can also serve as a warning to predators.
And did you know that the firefly was adopted as the official insect of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in April 1974? There are about 134 different species of fireflies illuminating our summer nights. Fireflies are carnivorous, spending most of their lives as larvae and feeding on soft-bodied invertebrates (slugs, earthworms, etc.). Practices that affect firefly prey can diminish firefly food sources and in turn, harm their populations.
So, what can we do to enhance, and create supportive habitat for fireflies and
protect the species from extinction? The Xerces Society recommends the following:
- Avoid pesticide use.
- Set aside some natural areas that provide important habitat.
- Plant native grasses, shrubs, and trees of varying heights.
- Provide/enhance moisture availability.
- Eliminate unnecessary lighting that is distracting to fireflies.
Enjoy and respect nature. See how many of these jewels of the night you can see this summer!
Wilbur B. Amand, VMD