I love fireflies. I know it is really Summer when I begin to see the glow of fireflies at night. I know Summer is drawing to a close when the fireflies, stop glowing. Fireflies are this weeks’ “Things to Be Happy About”
Fireflies go by many different names with over 2,000 described species. They are soft-bodied beetles that are commonly called fireflies, glowworms or lightning bugs thanks to their use of bioluminescence during twilight to attract mates or prey.
While all known fireflies glow, only some adults produce light and the location of the light organ varies among species and between sexes of the same species.
When dusk arrives, you can start to see the fireflies blinking. They’re easy to capture in a jar and kids love to do that, but make sure you leave air holes, and also DO let them out!
Unfortunately, they’re hard to capture with a camera. The drawing above does remind me of the real thing.
What Makes Fireflies Glow?
Fireflies produce a “cold light”, with no infrared or ultraviolet frequencies that may be yellow, green, or pale red. Some species such as the dimly glowing “blue ghost” of the Eastern US are commonly thought to emit blue light but it’s really green, after all.
Fireflies are found in temperate and tropical climates but you can find them in lots of places.
I love fireflies so much I named my car, the firefly!
Fireflies are not pesky, and they light up the night, capturing the imagination. They are enchanting. Fireflies make a field or a green lawn look like a fairy village.
Fireflies just make you feel good, and therefore they are this weeks’ “Things to be Happy About.” Fireflies, rock!
