Firefly Help and Links
Prepared by
Terry Lynch, Artist and Naturalist
Terry Lynch was the first person to observe and describe the post flight behavior of Photinus pyralis, which exhibits distinct alert and rest positions prior to mating flight. Lynch has also developed methods to collect and rear P. pyralis, observing the aggregate behavior of this species and their ability to prey upon, bury and devour earthworms many times their size. Lynch has also produced spectacular photomicrographs of I-instar P. pyralis larvae reared from eggs.
Lynch is also working to produce Firefly Keys to help everyone learn how to identify fireflies. If you want to help, please send firefly specimens to Dr. Firefly. Firefly specimens are needed from throughout North America and world-wide to develop new Firefly Keys
For additional information about fireflies please visit Firefly FAQs: The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Those Most Wonderous Bioluminescent Beetles Which Grace The Twilight With Their Amazing Mating Dances by Terry Lynch Then check out these other sites and links recommended by Terry Lynch:
- Firefly Keys: How to identify fireflies by Terry Lynch Firefly Keys is an outstanding presentation of pioneering work done by experts which tells you how to identify fireflies and references research and reports of value to amateur and professional entomologist alike. You may also participate in the production of Firefly Keys by collecting and sending firefly specimens from North America and around the world to Dr. Firefly.
- How to rear fireflies by Terry Lynch Naturalist and photographer, Terry Lynch, shows how to rear firefly larvae, collecting eggs from adults and photographing the young larvae after they emerge from their eggs.
- The Last Firefly Firefly demes are rapidly being devastated by light pollution, over spraying for mosquitoes by oil-based foggers, and turning forest, fields and meadows into asphalt parking lots and concrete urban jungles.
- Exploring Nature's Wonders Upon A Summer's Eve: Revelations of truth, beauty, wonder and the firefly wars! This article dispels the classical myth and traditional belief of firefly courtship as a romantic experience when, in fact, it is an extreme competition for territory and food for a firefly's posterity, what the author likes to call, Firefly Warfare! The author also explains the fallacy of relying upon firefly sightings without collecting specimens and other physical evidence and demonstrates how even photographs may be manipulated, that the scientific method must involve a process which may be repeated by other scientists and naturalists to produce consistent results so as to arrive at correct and verifiable conclusions.
- Blinks and Links Find information and links about fireflies and other bioluminescent animals at this general informations site produced by Terry Lynch
- Photinus pyralis gallery Features photos of egg, larvae and adult Photinus pyralis fireflies by Terry Lynch
- Firefly Notebooks: Photinus pyralis field observations and firefly larvae collection and rearing techniques (1968-1970 by Terry Lynch.
- Firefly Help Education, Instructions, News and Advice: A Guide to the Study of Fireflies by Terry Lynch. In addition to Firefly FAQs this site will include news, updates and other wit and wisdom related to fireflies.
- Firefly Mysteries by Terry Lynch. Revelations related to the egg, embryo, early instar and behavior of Photinus pyralis larvae with respect to gregarious feeding behavior, vivisection of host food via digestive enzymes, interring of earthworms and proof larvae use eyes and lanterns to form aggregates. This report includes photographs of P. pyralis and presents original research detailing rearing techniques and aspects of P. pyralis larvae behavior never before sited in the scientific literature. A challenge for investigators is offered with emphasis on the role firefly larvae may play in research into the genetic key codes which link and differentiate flash pattern to species.
- Flash Keys in Fireflies by Terry Lynch
- Bioluminescence in Fireflies: The luciferase-luciferin reaction in Photinus pyralis by Terry Lynch
- Feeding behavior of Photinid larvae by Terry Lynch Model used to illustrate probably sequence with respect to predacious behavior of P. pyralis on earthworms.
- Firefly Safe Zones: Strategies for Reintroduction, Preservation and Maintenance of Vigorous Firefly Populations by Terry Lynch
- Fireflies vs. Humans: More Alien Than Alien by Terry Lynch Which is the more alien species homo sapiens or P. pyralis?
- Part I: Application of Torque to Induce Simultaneous Flight Response and Synchrony in Drosophila by Terry Lynch
- Project Firefly by Terry Lynch -- Association limited to those doing original research or study of fireflies worldwide.
- Terry's UV Light Trap A design showing how to make a simple UV light trap for the collection of nocturnal insects.
The Firefly Gallery Help save the firefly! The proceeds from these charming design items will be used to support firefly studies and research and advocate preservation of the environment and fireflies.
The Firefly Gallery Help save the firefly! The proceeds from these charming design items will be used to support firefly studies and research and advocate preservation of the environment and fireflies.
Firefly Toxins, Lucibufagins, Bitter Tasting Agents May Serve As Deterrent To Substance Abuse General safety rules with respect to handling arthropods and providing a safe environment for children. By Terry Lynch
- How to photograph fireflies by Terry Lynch Tips and tricks for the benefit and enjoyment of photographers and amateur naturalists
- Firefly Flash Simulation: How to make firefly flash simulations for exhibit and display by Terry Lynch
- Save the firefly: Outlaw Bounties On Fireflies. Adopt laws to preserve and protect firefly trees and habitats
- The Adoration of Arthropods
Fireflies, insects and other arthropods as pets, live jewelry, objects of adoration and subjects used in commercial advertising and marketing for profit and/or exploitation
- Byteland You may find more great links to sites and work produced by Terry Lynch on Byteland.
The Firefly Gallery
Please help support this site by visiting the Firefly Gallery and shopping for firefly gifts and apparel. We get a small commission for every item sold to help support this site. Thank you for your support and patronage.
Click here to contact Terry Lynch, the author and web master of the above sites.
General Information about fireflies and bioluminescence
Explore the Internet for additional information about fireflies and bioluminescence at these recommended search links:
More Natural History Sites
The Amateur Naturalist by Terry Lynch
The Angel of Death This creature is Nature's ultimate weapon having killed more people than all the wars throughout history! It is responsible for the world community to accept over one million death each year due to mosquito transmitted disease and over 300 million people to be infected by malaria, dengue fever and other diseases through mosquito bites. You can help stop the slaughter and balance the equation by visiting and supporting the Angel of Life Foundation.
Project GEO This site feature a bioluminescent Springtail uncovered in Christchurch, New Zealand by Graham East, a surfer and master carpenter, and identified and recorded to be bioluminescent through a collaborative effort with Terry Lynch.
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The Byteland Gallery Features art, designs and photomicrography produced by Terry Lynch, artist and naturalist.
Copyright © 2010 by Terry Lynch. All Rights Reserved.
