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.

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:

1. Blinks and Links Find information and links about fireflies and other bioluminescent animals at this general informations site produced by Terry Lynch

2. Photinus pyralis gallery Features photos of egg, larvae and adult Photinus pyralis fireflies by Terry Lynch

3. Firefly Notebooks: Photinus pyralis field observations and firefly larvae collection and rearing techniques (1968-1970 by Terry Lynch.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Flash Keys in Fireflies by Terry Lynch

7. Bioluminescence in Fireflies: The luciferase-luciferin reaction in Photinus pyralis by Terry Lynch

8. Feeding behavior of Photinid larvae by Terry Lynch  Model used to illustrate probably sequence with respect to predacious behavior of P. pyralis on earthworms.

9. Firefly Safe Zones: Strategies for Reintroduction, Preservation and Maintenance of Vigorous Firefly Populations by Terry Lynch

10. Fireflies vs. Humans: More Alien Than Alien by Terry Lynch:  Which is the more alien species homo sapiens or P. pyralis?

11. Part I: Application of Torque to Induce Simultaneous Flight Response and Synchrony in Drosophila by Terry Lynch

12. Project Firefly by Terry Lynch -- Association limited to those doing original research or study of fireflies worldwide.

13. Terry's UV Light Trap A design showing how to make a simple UV light trap for the collection of nocturnal insects.

14. 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 Love'n Happy Heart Caricature Designs Click on pic to buy these items Help save the firefly and draw attention to this critical concern with these Love'n Happy Heart caricature designs You will adore these Love'n Happy Heart characture designs which feature some very delightful, fun slogans. Just pick from these favorites: Fireflies Make Me Happy! I (Heart) Fireflies I Love Fireflies! Save the Fireflies! Fireflies Are For Lovers! Fireflies Catch & Release

15. 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:

    A. Bioluminescence

    B. Photinus pyralis

    C. Insects and bioluminescence

    D. Photuris

    E. Dr. James E. Lloyd and firefly Dr. Lloyd is an authority upon North American fireflies. He was the first to observe aggressive mimicry in females of the genus Photuris. Dr. Lloyd, a taxonomist, also has discovered a number of new species of fireflies which can only be distinguished by their flash behavior.

    F. Phengodes and railroad worms

    G. Pyractomena

    H. Dr. John Bonner Buck and firefly Dr. John Bonner Buck studied the flash behavior of Photinus pyralis in Baltimore, Maryland, during the 1930s as an undergraduate student at Johns Hopkins University. During the 1960s Dr. Buck investigated the synchronous flashing of fireflies in Thailand and Borneo. He had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and died March 30, 2005, at the age of 92. Dr. Buck served as the head of the Laboratory of Physical Biology at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

    I. Aggressive mimicry and firefly

    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.

16. 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 © 2005 by Terry Lynch. All Rights Reserved.