Egg hatch occurs by late summer and the larvae are present until the following spring. The adult females lay their eggs in mid–summer. Like all beetles, the fireflies have a complete life cycle consisting of four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Of course, the usual identifying characteristic is the light-emitting organ on the underside of the last 2 or 3 abdominal segments. The thorax is cream or red with black markings and the wings are gray-black with a faint stripe down the middle and at each edge. Common fireflies in Iowa are 1/2 to 3/4 inch long.
and Canada, mostly in the East and South. There are 170 species of fireflies in the U.S. Lightningbugs are beetles in a specific family of beetles called the Lampyridae. For example, where do lightningbugs come from? Where are they the other 11 months of the year? What do they eat? How do they make a "cool" light? What is the light for? And, how come no one sings "Glow Little Glow–worm, Glimmer, Glimmer" anymore? Because it produces no heat, scientists refer to firefly lights as “cold lights.”įirefly Conservation & Research / firefly.Unfortunately, the common, pleasurable summer pastime of collecting lightningbugs all too often fails to elicit the most rudimentary of questions about firefly biology. Compare that to an incandescent bulb, which emits 10% of its energy as light and the rest as heat, or a fluorescent bulb, which emits 90% of its energy as light.
Firefly lights are the most efficient lights in the world-100% of the energy is emitted as light. Some glow blue or green while others glow orange or yellow. Each species has their own specific color of light they produce. Because of this, many animals learn to avoid eating fireflies. If attacked, fireflies will shed drops of blood known as “reflex bleeding.” The blood contains chemicals that taste bitter and can be poisonous to some animals. If they disappear, it will be a great loss to habitats and generations. Fireflies are amazing creatures that light up our nights and bring a sense of magic to our environment. Lights from cars, homes, stores and streetlights may make it difficult for the fireflies to signal each other during mating which decreases the numbers of larvae born next season. Human light pollution possibly interrupts their flash patterns. Some species synchronize their flashes to attract mates, warn off predators, and defend their territory. Male and female fireflies use their flashing lights to communicate. Because of housing and commercial development reducing firefly habitat, their numbers are dwindling. Most researchers blame two main factors: development and light pollution. They have a life span of about 2 months.Ĭonservation: Fireflies are not endangered but are at threat for disappearing. Pupation occurs just before the adults are seen flying about in June and July. The adult females lay their eggs in mid-summer. Life Cycle: Like all beetles, the fireflies have a complete life cycle consisting of four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Scientists are not sure how the insects regulate the process of turning their lights on and off. Each blinking pattern is a signal that helps fireflies find potential mates. Firefly light is usually intermittent, and flashes in patterns that are unique to each species. Inside special cells, the oxygen combines with a substance called luciferin to produce light. Fireflies have dedicated light organs that are located under their abdomens which take in oxygen. They may eat nectar or pollen, or nothing at all.īehavior: Most people know how fireflies got their name, but do not know how the insects produce their glow. Underground larvae feed on worms and slugs but scientists are not actually sure what adult fireflies eat. They thrive in forests, fields and marshes near lakes, rivers, ponds, streams and vernal pools.įood: Females deposit their eggs in the ground which is where larvae develop to adulthood. 
In drier areas, they are found around wet or damp areas that retain moisture. Fireflies love moisture and often live in humid regions of Asia and the Americas. Fireflies live in a variety of warm environments as well as in more temperate regions. Habitat: There are about 2,000 firefly species.
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