Firefly resting upon a rose leaf. Photo by Terry Lynch

The following is a collection of enlightening firefly materials that are available upon the Internet for everyone who loves searching for creatures which glow.

These are a few of Terry's most popular and informative firefly and insect related sites:

• Firefly FAQs -- Here is where you can find the answers to most frequently asked questions about fireflies.

• Save The Firefly -- Visit this site to learn how you can help save the firefly which is disappearing in many areas.

• Blinks and Links Blink and Links is produced by The Firefly Project to help educate and inform the public about fireflies and other bioluminescent animals and plants.

• Firefly Help Education, Instructions, News and Advice: A Guide to the Study of Fireflies. In addition to Firefly FAQs this site will include news, updates and other wit and wisdom related to fireflies.

• Firefly Mysteries 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: Impressions and considerations with reference to the role of nitric oxide (NO) in firefly flash and the implication this has with respect to the timed delay between flashes of species and other related flash behavior. June 29, 2001, 16:40hrs.

• The Evolution of Synchronous Flash Behavior as a Function of Competition for Mates in Lampyradie: Photinus pyralis. By Terry Lynch. Studies made between 1968 - 1970 illustrate the various flash patterns of P. pyralis and suggest a theory to explain synchronous flash behavior in fireflies.

• Firefly Notebooks: How to rear fireflies by Terry Lynch Techniques with respect to the collection, observation and rearing of the firefly P. pyralis and Photuris with notes upon the feeding behavior of Photinid and Photuris larvae and the implications these contrasting behaviors have on evolution of the species in fireflies. Presents photomicrographs, drawings, diagrams and methodology with respect to original research related to the rearing of fireflies.

• Feeding behavior of Photinid larvae Model used to illustrate probably sequence with respect to predation of P. pyralis on earthworms.

• Firefly Safe Zones: Strategies for Reintroduction, Preservation and Maintenance of Vigorous Firefly Populations

• Fireflies vs. Humans: More Alien than Alien: Which is the more alien species homo sapiens or P. pyralis?

• Photinus pyralis Gallery: Microphotographs of embryonic firefly and early instar larvae

• GEO: Bioluminescent Springtails of Christchurch, New Zealand Original photo micrographs of a little known species of bioluminescent Collembola, Anurida granaria (Nicolet, 1847) are presented to celebrate the beauty and splendor of this Springtail from down under. Site includes guest book, gallery, links and updates.

• The Angel of Death This creature is Nature's ultimate weapon having killed more people than all the wars throughout history! It is irresponsible for the world community to accept over one million deaths 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.

• The Urban Jungle: Alien fungi and other wondrous flora and fauna of backyard America

• 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.

• 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

• The Mississippi Insect Guide Terry is currently working to produce an on-line guide to insects for Mississippi and the southeastern USA. Anyone who would like to contribute photographs is invited to make a donation of insect pictures. Photos are needed of all types of insects, spiders and other arthropods. Also photos are needed which show insects homes such as hornet nests, bee hives, and ants in their mounds. Plus photos of insect eggs are needed as well as photographs showing various aspects of insect behavior.

• 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

The explosion of personal videos onto the Internet with such popular sites as YouTubh has resulted in the opportunity for people to make and present their videos of insects, including fireflies, to an international audience. This has resulted in being able to share videos of insects easily across international boarders. You are invited to view a few of my favorite firefly videos.

I've collected a list of some of the better firefly sites on the Internet. Check out these firefly sites:

Firefly.org Firefly.org is a project created by Ben Pfeiffer to raise awareness to the decline of firefly populations in the US and worldwide. This site is intended to help educate those interested in how to bring back fireflies to their area. These beetles are one of natures most beautiful and mysterious creations and it's unforunate that we are seeing less and less of them where we live. Thank you for visiting this site and be sure to read about our section about .

Fireflies on Wikipedia The Wikipedia firefly page has a very good review about fireflies in general and is a good review of basic information about fireflies.

Photinus pyralis on BugGuide.net The BugGuide.net is a good place to upload photographs you may take of fireflies or other insects. There are many people who enjoy photographing insects who can help you identify the species of insects you may photograph while exploring in fields, forest or meadows, or while just photographing insects in your own backyard.

Photinus pyralis via Google For more firefly sites see what you can find searching Google. Given the commercialization of the term "firefly" you may get better results when you Google the species names of fireflies like Photinus pyralis or such terms as Photuris firefly, rather than just try to search for "firefly" which can bring up everything from sci-fi TV series to RC helicopters. Why in Malaysia there is even a Firefly airlines and Firefly is now even a children's cellphone!