Firefly head. Photinus pyralis SEM Copyright © 2011 by Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc.

Shown here is a SEM of the head of the firefly, Photinus pyralis showing its two large spherical compound eyes, base of antennae, sickle-like mandibles, mouthparts, base of legs and pronotum which covers and shields the head. This image has been digitally enhanced to express the numerous hexagonal cuticular cornea or facets of the compound eyes. To the naked eye the two large compound eyes would have a dark black, shiny hue and coloration.

Naturalist Terry Lynch collected, preserved, provided, identified, and described this firefly specimen. Lynch had SEM images made of the firefly's compound eye and other structures which he digitally enhanced to illustrate the firefly's amazing structures. Fireflies use their large compound eyes to locate mates as they fly and flash during twilight and evening hours. Hence the large compound eyes of fireflies have evolved to enable male fireflies to see the return flashes of female fireflies of the same species. Some predaceous species of fireflies, namely Photuris, are able to fool Photinus fireflies by mimicking the flash response of females, luring male Photinus fireflies, then pouncing upon, killing and eating them.

The mandibles of P. pyralis resemble sickles and may be used defensively to fend off an attack by predaceous Photuris females. P. pyralis contains a milky white blood that is highly toxic. The larvae of P. pyralis eat earthworms which they may be reared upon. The repeated bites of even a very small I-instar P. pyralis larvae can paralyze a much larger earthworm. P. pyralis fireflies use their flashes not only to find a mate but as a form of social networking to dominate territory, a process which involves communicating with light flashes to locate a female and copulating with the female which then lays eggs. When the eggs hatch the emerging larvae will hunt for earthworms. Large numbers of firefly larvae that are all related will thus come to dominate a territory over time.

The body structures of P. pyralis fireflies and other species of fireflies are well adapted to use in firefly warfare, the competition for territory which represents a food source. When some species of fireflies have come to dominate a region and increase in numbers such that they occur in very high population densities, they are able to establish synchronous flashing. Those species of fireflies which have evolved to be most successful in totally dominating a territory are the most probable to exhibit synchronous flashing.

Enjoy reading these original articles and reports about fireflies by Terry Lynch who has long enjoyed spending his summer evenings watching the dance of fireflies in fields, meadows and forests. Lynch has been studying fireflies since he was a teenager and lived at the edge of Talladega National Forest in Jacksonville, Alabama, where Photinus pyralis occurred in such great numbers one could easily net hundreds in the course of five or ten minutes. Today such large numbers of firefly have decreased in many areas due to the impact of urbanization, over spraying for mosquitoes, light pollution and other factors. Learning about fireflies is the first step in preserving them that our children's children will still be able to enjoy watching fireflies twinkle and flash during their twilight mating dance each summer.

• Firefly Warfare: Mt. Cheaha firefly study yields insight into how fireflies use social networking in warfare to survive. Naturalist and photographer, Terry Lynch, discusses his theory of Firefly Warfare Through Social Networking via Matrix Domination. While studying a dwarf species of Photinus pyralis discovered atop Mt. Cheaha, in Alabama, Lynch realized that social networking played a key role in how fireflies evolve and compete for domination and survival among other species of fireflies. The theory of Firefly Warfare may explain a great deal about firefly evolution and have applications to future strategies in human warfare.

• Amazing and spectacular SEM images of fireflies by Terry Lynch. A collaborative effort between Terry Lynch and Dennis Kunkel produced an amazing series of SEM images which reveal the marvelous cuticular structures of a firefly's tarsal claws, tarsal pads, tenent setae, and grooved mandibles and mouthparts. These are without a doubt some of the most beautiful SEM images of fireflies produced to date and give insight into how fireflies are adapted to survive in a competitive environment where it is imperative to be able to cling to smooth surfaces while flashing and signaling for a mate, and at the same time grasp a prey firefly with grappling hook-like tarsal claws and sticky tarsal pads.

• 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 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, 16:40 hrs.

• The Evolution of Synchronous Flash Behavior as a Function of Competition for Mates in Lampyridae: 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

• 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.