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The Dumb Bat Bin: Swatting Flies and Billing Spammers
After I published "Firefly FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Fireflies" I began to receive more and more inquiries about fireflies and their behavior. Questions have come from all types of people including curious observers, students, publishers, professors and even the occasional Looney Tune who assures me they saw something strange glowing in the night and wanted to know if it might be a firefly or tiny alien space craft which had escape the attention of "The Men in Black."
Well, I usually ignore the later inquiries, sending them to a special folder I call the "Dumb Bat Bin" (DBB). In the DBB goes everything from UFO sighting to spam email. All those hoaxes and cons wanting to part me from my money also end up in the DBB. These include the numerous scams of rich Nigerian widows who have inherited $20,000,000.00 and want to give me a percentage if I'll just transfer it into my bank account so that the IRS or some other federal agency may arrest me for participating in the illegal transfer of monies across international boarders. Also in the DBB go the myriad of penis enlargement solicitations, breast enlargement queries and "Come visit my new naked fraternity sister site" invitations.
Apparently having a visible presence upon the Internet and publishing one's email address, results in more junk mail in a day than I ever use to get in the metal mail box outside by the curb. Spammer programs search the web like hunting spiders on the prowl at night, seeking to collect and devour any email address they find, collecting it in a database cache file and later automatically sending out spam. It is a get rich quick scheme which is not only annoying but wastes a lot of people a lot of time.
Yet in order to help educate and inform people about fireflies and network directly with those most interested in their research and study, it is required that one sacrifice a bit of their privacy, and blink, so to speak, flashing through the dark of cyber space to let others know where they are. Thus I created this little marquee to let everyone who is interested in the study of fireflies know where I can be reached.
No doubt I will be getting even more junk email and spam now than before I made this announcement. But at least now I can legally invoice and bill all the spammers for using my email address. What a wonderful way to swat flies, to kill the damn spam buggers, and at the same time support my firefly research! If it works, I'll let you know!
Firefly News
Project Firefly is seeking to network with students, teachers and naturalists around the world who are actively engaged in some aspect of serious firefly research. If you fall into that category please let me know. Send your name, address, phone number and email address plus a brief letter of introduction via email, explaining your area of expertise and telling me as informally as possible about your research and study of fireflies. Photograph related to fireflies, links to firefly web sites and other firefly "new" will also be appreciated. I reserve the right to publish any material sent and will give full credit to you. Thanks!
Check back later for more firefly news.
Firefly FAQs
List of Questions
Over the years I have received many inquiries about fireflies from people all over the world. Here are a few of the most common questions I have been asked along with some of the replies I have made in my efforts to help educate and inform the public about fireflies.
- What are fireflies?
- How many types of fireflies are there?
- Where can I get or buy fireflies?
- Can I import some fireflies from America?
- Do firefly eggs glow?
- What does a "baby" firefly look like?
- What is a glowworm and how can I rear them?
- Who are the world/national authorities on fireflies?
- How can I identify fireflies?
- What are the most common types of fireflies?
- What is the difference between Photinus and Photuris?
- What is a Pyractomena?
- Common vs. scientific names: What is the difference between "red" and "green" fireflies?
- Why do fireflies flash?
- What is meant by the synchronous flashing of fireflies?
- Do fireflies have sex with more than one mate?
- How long do fireflies live?
- How do you photograph fireflies?
- How do I collect and submit firefly specimens?
- Where can I send my questions about fireflies?
- What are those strobe lights hovering above the horizon: UFO's and other sightings?
- Where can I get more information about fireflies and your research?
- Why do you study and rear fireflies and how can I support your work?
- What is Project Firefly and how can I contribute to this important project?
- What does a "baby" firefly look like?
FAQ's
- What are fireflies? Fireflies are not flies at all but beetles of the family Lampyridae. Generally fireflies exhibit bioluminescence, but their are species of fireflies which do not in their adult forms glow and are characterizes as fireflies because of their physical structure even though they lack lanterns.
- How many types of fireflies are there? In North America (north of Mexico) there are about 170 species of fireflies; this number increases to about 200 species of Lampyridae for all of North America. World wide there are over 1,900 species of fireflies. I'm not sure what the latest count is as this certainly changes every time someone discovers a new species of firefly and I'm not the one to whom this is reported. It is probably true that no one really knows exactly how many species of fireflies there may be as some species can only be distinguished if you observe and record the flash patterns exhibited during courtship . Worldwide this has only been done for a relatively few species of fireflies. Species which may appear to structurally be identical may prove to be uniquely different when the flash patterns they exhibit during courtship are analyzed.
- Where can I get or buy fireflies? In the eastern United States you may find fireflies during the late spring or summer when adult males are active at twilight, flashing and blinking as they search for and court females. Because fireflies are easily collected in the field, please do not ask me if you can buy them from me. Learn how to observe, collect and study fireflies for yourself and this will bring many hours of enjoyment.
Do NOT ask me to sell you fireflies or refer you to someone else who markets fireflies. I do NOT advocate the collection and marketing of fireflies! Nor should anyone try to import fireflies from one state or nation to another. Nor do I advocate that the novice should attempt to introduce or establish firefly populations from one local to another. The species of fireflies which occur naturally in one location are generally very specific to that area and the novice should not play God and try to introduce fireflies to their backyard garden, park or preserve.
- Can I import some fireflies from America? I repeat, I do NOT advocate the export or import of fireflies from one country to another. When a person from Singapore wrote me in this same regard I replied as below:
Do NOT export/import live insects!
Do I understand correctly that you live in Singapore, Malaysia, and that you want to import living fireflies from America? This would be very unwise! Asian fireflies which occur in mangrove areas are an entirely different and unique species from those common in the United States.
You should not try to introduce fireflies from the United States to any other countries. The only justification for introducing fireflies to an area would be if local populations have disappeared due to environmental factors and someone wants to try to reestablish them using native species from surrounding areas. However, even in this case the best action is to make the environment suitable for healthy firefly populations and let them introduce themselves by diffusing or migrating into a restored area, as when land is reclaimed from a strip mine operation.
Tropical species of fireflies native to Asia are very different from many varieties which occur in the United States and Europe. Not only do species from different areas live in different habitats and eat different food, but they may be host to a whole different range of associated organisms in their digestive tracts. This includes everything from nematodes to soil bacteria.
If you are interested in dead specimens of fireflies or firefly larvae preserved in alcohol for research and study, that is one thing. But it is entirely different to seek live specimens of fireflies native to America to introduce into an area in Asia. This would be potentially damaging to the environment and probably be prohibited by law.
You should be able to easily find native species of fireflies in mangrove areas in the country outside of Singapore. It is my understanding they occur along river banks and in wetland areas and can occur quite abundantly. Their larvae probably feed upon aquatic snails and would certainly be interesting for you to study and attempt to rear.
I repeat, the species of firefly you will find native to your area are an entirely different species than occur in the United States and Europe. Therefore you would be making a very wise decision to concentrate your efforts on studying native species. Should you be able to do this I might be able to help you in suggesting how you may rear them and would like to see any photographs you may take of areas where they occur, as well as macro photographs of the fireflies themselves.
- What does a "baby" firefly look like?
Immature fireflies are called larvae and live in the ground prior to pupation and metamorphosis when they transform into adult beetles. Shown below is a Photoinus pyralis larvae which has just emerged from its egg.
Figure 1. Photinus pyralis I-instar larva is almost translucent when it first emerges from its egg case. This affords an excellent opportunity to photograph the young larvae and observe internal structures. To see more photographs visit the Firefly Gallery.
- What is a glowworm and how can I rear them? Webster's dictionary defined "glowworm" as, "the larva or wingless female of a beetle, Lampyris noctiluca, which emits a sustained greenish light." This is in reference to a species of European firefly or its larva. In the United States the term glowworm is used loosely as the common name for firefly larvae. Fireflies and their larvae occur throughout much of the United States east of the Mississippi River. Although there are about 170 species of fireflies in North America north of Mexico, and 23 genera, those I am most familiar with are Photuris, Photinus and Pyractomena.
Photuris larvae grow rather large and forage for food (dead insects, worms, snails, etc.) in leaf litter. Sometimes they can be quite abundant. Photinus larvae tend to burrow into the grown and can often be found by raking through leaf litter on a dark night. Pyractomena occur in wetland areas and may be found upon clinging to vegetation.
You can collect firefly larvae and feed them sections of earthworms. Some people have also been able to rear Photuris larvae on kibbles of moist dog food. Pyractomena generally have been observed to eat aquatic snails. When provided with food and soil Photuris and Photinus larvae will pupate in the spring or early summer, building little chambers or igloos, then emerging as adult fireflies. Pyractomena larvae cling to trees or vegetation and pupate hanging upside down.
You should be able to find firefly larvae active on warm evenings, especially after a gentle rain. Fall or early summer is a good time to hunt for firefly larvae as they are large enough to easily find among leaf litter. In some wetland areas they may be very abundant and quite easy to collect. In other areas they may be less common. Should you discover these glowing wonders around your home and find them of interest, I encourage you to collect them and learn about them through observation.
You can keep firefly larvae alive in small half-pint jars of moist sterile soil feeding them regularly. I have found a 1:1 mixture of moist peat moss and aquarium grade activated charcoal works well as a rearing substrate. To keep the soil in jars from drying out, I suggest using an air tight cooler or refrigerator as a storage cabinet.
It is important to handle firefly larvae very gently, using a soft camel's hair brush to collect them and be careful not to mash them as they can be easily injured. Also Photuris larvae can be aggressive and fight and eat each other, so you need to keep only one per jar. If well fed you can keep more than one larvae per jar but then you run the risk of them trying to eat each other. I've often seen Photuris larvae compete for food, having little battles over bits and pieces of flesh. When you have firefly larvae of different ages and sizes mixed together you very likely will end up with only one big larva, the larger larva eating the smaller larvae.
In New Zealand there is a variety of gnat, Arachnocampa luminosa which exhibits bioluminescence and is also referred to as a glowworm. The larvae of these gnats capture insects in slimy threads of silk which they dangle from the roofs of caves.
In England female fireflies do not have wings and so are commonly observed upon the ground and have thus been referred to as glowworms. However, these are not worms any more than a fly maggot is a worm. Although Shakespeare may have said, "A rose by any other name is the same," this is not true of worms when, in fact, one is referring to the immature forms of insects. A maggot "worm" will metamorphous into a fly whereas a "glowworm" will turn into a luminescent beetle, two vastly different creatures, indeed!
Therefore depending upon what part of the world you live in, the term "glowworm" may refer to different species of insects.
- Do firefly eggs glow? Yes, firefly eggs certainly do glow. One of the most memorable observations I made as a young naturalist was to collect several score of firefly eggs and put them in a Petri dish. This was left undisturbed for several weeks. Then prior to the eggs hatching I observed them in total darkness, tapping upon the Petri dish to produce vibrations. In response the developing larvae inside the dimly glowing eggs flashed brightly!
This is an observation which can be easily repeated. Simply collect adult female P. pyralis fireflies. Let them deposit eggs in moist, sterile soil. Then after about two weeks collect the eggs using a small red sable paint brush. Place the eggs upon a piece of filter paper or in a container of moist soil that they are concentrated together. Then set the vial of eggs in a dark room undisturbed. After about 24 hours enter the room, allow your eyes to adjust to the dark for 3 to 5 minutes, and then observe the vial of firefly eggs by gently tapping it to produce vibrations. The young larvae inside the eggs will respond by flashing brightly and then dimming.
Photinus pyralis eggs in clusterEggs of Photinus pyralis are bioluminescent. This can be observed by collecting eggs and placing them in a Petri dish in a darkened room or closet. Let the eggs set undisturbed for 24 hours. Then enter the darkened room and let your eyes adjust to the dark for about 5 minutes. Then gently tap the Petri dish to cause vibrations. The eggs should glow. This is rather spectacular if done several days before larvae are due to hatch as each larvae inside the eggs have tiny lanterns which will light up. This photograph of a cluster of eggs was photo enhanced to simulate how eggs of P. pyralis appear when they glow. The photographer has actually collected and observed large numbers of firefly eggs glowing, but this is a challenge to photograph given the low sensitivity of film or digital cameras. - Who are the world/national authorities on fireflies? There are several entomologists, professional and amateur, who have expertise in the studies of fireflies.
As an amateur entomologist, Terry Lynch, author of this site, has studied primarily Photinus pyralis, their adults and larvae, and developed rearing techniques for this species of firefly. Lynch has also produced and authored a number of web sites related to fireflies (see Original Reports by T. A. Lynch) and is noted for his photomicrographs of firefly larvae and artistic photomicrographs of other organisms.
Dr. James E. Lloyd at the IFAS, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, is an authority on North American fireflies. Dr. Lloyd has not only studied the courtship and other behaviors of numerous fireflies, but he is a taxonomist who has assembled an outstanding collection of North American fireflies. I had the good fortune of meeting Dr. Lloyd and working in his department. Also I audited and aced the Introductory to Entomology 101 course he taught.
Dr. John Bonner Buck who formerly worked at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, has published a number of articles related to the synchronous flashing of fireflies. I met him while I was still a teenager and showed him articles I had written, telling him about my studies and how I had observed that Photinus pyralis exhibits two distinctive preflight behaviors, a rest position and an alert position. Later Dr. Buck photographed these behaviors and published the result in Scientific American magazine, I believe, without any mention of me. It was Dr. Buck who also showed me live specimens of railroad worms which an associated had sent to him. Photographs of these same railroad worms also appeared in Scientific American magazine.
Another person who has contributed to the knowledge of fireflies is H. S. Barber of the United States National Museum. Dr. Barber studied Photoris in the Potomac Valley and was able to distinguish eighteen species by their flash patters! Unfortunately Dr. Barber died before I was able to make his acquaintance; however, the first Photoris I ever captured and collected eggs and larvae from was one of the varieties which occur in the Potomac Valley.
- How can I identify fireflies? In North America there are several types of fireflies which are very common and seen flashing during their courtship. Besides the obvious fact that fireflies produce light, these can be distinguished from other beetles by referring to a field guide on insects. However, to determine the species of firefly you may have collected requires that you submit the specimen to an expert for identification. Dr. James E. Lloyd, a taxonomist with special expertise in the study of Lampyridae, has identified over 14,000 specimens, including fireflies, for museums and collections.
- What are the most common types of fireflies? In North America the most common types of fireflies belong to one of several genera: Photinus, Photuris or Pyractomena. There are other beetles which exhibit bioluminescence. Among these are the fire beetle, a variety of click beetle, and the most spectacular Phengodes, which as a larvae has eleven pairs of lights along its sides. In South American there is a variety of Phengodes which has two red lights on its head and is called a "railroad worm" due to the fact two red head lights followed by eleven pairs of green lights evokes the idea of a train.
- What is the difference between Photinus and Photuris? Actually Photinus males sometimes have difficulty distinguishing females of their own species from Photuris femmes fatales which mimic the blink response of Photinus females. When the male Photinus lands near Photuris it is pounced upon and eaten! So don't be too flustered if you have difficulty distinguishing one firefly from another, even fireflies have this problem!
Seriously, though, it is relatively easy to learn to recognize fireflies of different types even by their flash patterns. Review of field guide descriptions and photographs may help you learn how to recognize some fireflies. For example, Figure 3 shows a photograph of Photinus pyralis. This is a rather large (10-14mm), common species of firefly which occurs east of the Rocky Mountains. The males have a dancing "J" pattern flight, flashing about each 4-5 seconds, pausing after each flash and hovering to look for the female response which occurs about 2 seconds later.
Photuris is a slightly larger firefly the adults of which have a distinctive arched body in contrast to Photinus which has a flat body (See Figure 2). Photuris often may be seen flashing in rapid succession, especially when alarmed or captured, and has the ability to mimic the flash response of a number of different species of Photinus. The drawing below may help you distinguish Photuris from Photinus (aka Photinid).
Figure 2. Sketch of Photuris vs. Photinid
- What is a Pyractomena? This is a variety of firefly that is most commonly found in wetland areas, around lakes and rivers. Pyractomena larvae are quite often observed climbing upon tree limbs and branches or other vegetation. They pupate by securing themselves to vegetation and hanging upside down while they undergo metamorphosis. The larvae of Pyractomena feed upon aquatic snails. To the novice adult Pyractomena may resemble Photinus, however, there are structural differences and certainly the courtship flash of each species of firefly is unique.
- Common vs. scientific names: What is the difference between "red" and "green" fireflies? I was actually asked this question to which I replied:
Use scientific names when referring to fireflies
You should always refer to fireflies and other insects by using their scientific or genus-species names.To ask, what is a green lightening bug and how does it differ from a red one, you might as well ask what is the difference between a green and a red piece of paper. I'm sure you know the answer to that. One is green and one is red owing to the wavelengths of light each reflects and how these are perceived by the human eye.
With respect to fireflies and insects in general many people in different parts of the world have innumerable common names for them. But scientist do not use the common names for insects or for fireflies when making studies. Scientists use the scientific name, or the genus-species name. With regard to insects, species are generally determined by a physical description and keys are used to determine to which genus-species an insect or firefly belongs. The exception to this is when two fireflies look identical physically yet have been determined to use different flash patterns and response behavior in their mating so as to distinguish them as unique species.
So I suggest that when you are talking about fireflies, especially if you are attempting to study their behavior, that you use the scientific name for the genus-species of firefly you are referring to; otherwise, you could call various species of fireflies an assortment of names as: green fireflies, yellow lightening bugs, red flashers, striped flasher, hunched backed lightening bugs, flight-wobblers, streakers, rapid flashers, double-flashers, flower-eaters, mangrove lamps, glowworms or any other conceivable common names or such translations as might be made into various languages. It is to avoid such confusing names that scientist use the genus-species name when referring to the insects or other animals and plants they are studying. If this were not done the result would be confusion, indeed.
Primarily the species of firefly I have most studied is Photinus pyralis. I have also studied Photuris sp. In the case of Photuris sp. these fireflies often cannot be identified to species unless their mating flash patterns are recorded. A study by H. S. Barber, a beetle specialist at the United States National Museum, published after his death in 1950, distinguished some 18 species of Photuris in the Potomac Valley by their flash pattern, males generally having very little difference if structure or color. Dr. James E. Lloyd has been able to distinguish a number of new species in the genus Photinus merely by their flash patterns alone.
There are about 170 species of fireflies in North America and many, many more worldwide. I don't know if anyone has ever made a report of the common names used locally for all species of fireflies, but I imagine if this were done you would come up with some fanciful names, indeed. Perhaps one of the most fanciful names for a luminescent beetle is that of the railroad worm. These South American beetles have two read lights on their heads and eleven pares of greenish lights along their sides. Although not a firefly, but beetles belonging to the family Phengodidae, you can see how people often base a common name on an insect's most distinguishing characteristics. Other good examples of this tendency of people to give insects common names related to distinguishing features or behavior are the elephant stag beetle (someone thought this beetle looked like an elephant, I guess), the rhinoceros beetle (which someone thought looked like a rhinoceros), dragonflies (neither a dragon nor a fly) and ladybug beetles (definitely no resemblance to any ladies I have ever known, but so named as they are a rather delicate, cute insect. However, its habit of eating aphids is not very ladylike!). Then there is the praying mantis, so named by those who thought this rather ungodly like insect which is a veracious predator looked like it was praying. Thus it is quite often that the common names given to insects do not always represent their true nature or behavior.
I suggest that if you find a reference to a particular firefly as a red firefly or a green firefly or a white firefly (one perhaps that has recently emerged from its pupae and not yet tanned) or any other common named firefly or insect, that you realize this is not the scientific name of the insect being referenced. Many people have written about insects and other animals and plants using their common names. It is often easier to read stories or articles when giving the common names of animals and plants. Field guides will often use both the common and scientific names of insects, as these are designed for educational purposes, and help laymen and women to learn how to properly identify animals and plants, which is easier to do if you give the common name.
However, when making a scientific report in technical journals scientists try to identify the genus-species they are working with so that other scientists may know this. Obviously if you say this is a golden sparkler firefly or a red light district flasher no one is going to have the foggiest idea what you are talking about! :-)
- Why do fireflies flash? The flashing of fireflies is part of their courtship behavior. Generally male fireflies fly about and flash to locate females. Each species of firefly has its own flash pattern of male-female signal and response. This enables males and females of the same species to locate each other.
- What is meant by the synchronous flashing of fireflies? Some species of fireflies are able to synchronize their flashing so that they all flash in unison, on and off at the same time. In the United States I've observed P. pyralis males tend to adjust their flashes that they will flash in synchrony. I have also observed, infrequently, large displays of Photinus flashing in synchrony. In southeast Asia there are species of fireflies which occur in mangroves upon trees which exhibit spectacular displays where thousands of individuals flash in synchrony.
- Do fireflies have sex with more than one mate? Yes, some species of fireflies certainly exhibit a rather promiscuous behavior. As the photograph below shows, a number of P. pyralis are attempting to mate with a single female. However, once the female has accepted a male, she will not copulate again until another night.
Figure 3. The courtship of Photinus pyralis, a large firefly which occurs in the southeastern United States, frequently results in an orgy with numerous males attempting to copulate with a female. This behavior which occurs in nature can easily be duplicated and observed by placing males and females inside a jar. In nature males could easily fly away in search of other females, which they often do, but sometimes a number of males will remain in the presence of the female even after she has copulated, probably as a result of her odor, which compels the males to attempt to mate. Both male and female of P. pyralis will mate with different partners on different nights. For additional pictures of fireflies and their larvae visit the Photinus pyralis Gallery.- How long do fireflies live? Adult fireflies live only long enough to mate and lay eggs. In my efforts to collect and rear fireflies, I have found that adults of P. pyralis generally expire in 7-14 days. I have been able to extend the life span of adult males by feeding them a dilute solution of honey and water. This suggests that in nature if fireflies are able to find nectar they may be able to live a few days longer than adults which do not drink.
Firefly larvae in the southeastern United States live approximately a year; i.e. from one mating season to the next mating season. How long a firefly lives in the ground is probably a function of ground temperature and availability of food. In colder climates the rate of growth of firefly larvae may be slower than in warmer climates so that firefly larvae in Canada takes longer to mature than firefly larvae in Florida.
The species of firefly I am most familiar with is P. pyralis, which I have studied in Central and Northern Alabama. P. pyralis in Alabama takes a year to mature. Larvae hatch out there eggs in about three weeks. The larvae eat earthworms, aggregate and mature within a year.
- How do you photograph fireflies? With a camera and patients! Oh, and don't forget the film! There is nothing worse than taking a whole sequence of pictures only to realize that you did not load the camera properly with film. Of course no one would ever do this! :-) The following fact sheet was prepared for someone who wrote to me and gives more information and suggestions in this regard:
Photographing Fireflies
While at the University of Florida I took a very good course on the Physics of Photography taught by Dr. Fields, who happens to be the brother of Sally Fields, the actress. I would highly recommend a course of this nature as it will acquaint you with the limits of photography.
I've discussed this issue on numerous occasions. It is one which comes up repeatedly. Always I have to remind amateur photographers that the factors under consideration are light intensity and distance between the subject (fireflies) and the film. Thus film sensitivity is an issue. But of primary consideration is how the intensity of light is diminished over distance via the law of inverse squares. That is, the intensity of light falling upon or illuminating a surface is inversely proportional to the distance squared from the light source. This makes it extremely difficult to photograph low intensity light at a distance, especially when the subjects are moving. The only reason astronomers are able to photograph extremely low intensity light from stars is because they make long exposures over time and follow the stars, plus may use methods of multiplying the intensity electronically and now days enhancing images by using computers.
I should, perhaps, post related methodology upon the Internet, reviewing the work of others in this regard. But I have not done this yet. Let me just say, in brief, that photographing fireflies and other bioluminescent animals represents a challenge. Yet many have done some very good work in this regard. In fact some of the most spectacular images I've seen were of bioluminescent marine animals, these including both photographs and video or film productions. However, in regard to deep ocean photography one does not have to deal with ambient light intensity, given it is pitch black at the depth where many of the most remarkable bioluminescent animals occur.
As for fireflies, your best results would be of individuals at very close range, using the largest aperture lenses available. As I mentioned intensity of firefly flashes is low to begin with and it will diminish over distance inversely by the square of the distance from the object. Then you have film sensitivity to be concerned with; i.e., at what wavelengths of light the film is most sensitive and how this compares with the wavelength of light emitted by fireflies (go to the library and review John Bonner Buck's early work for a review of this matter). In this regard you should obtain copies from Kodak and Fuji of their technical manuals which have all the film characteristics published. They will generally send you these upon request.
There are "tricks" that can be used when photographing fireflies. I call them "tricks" as they relate to understanding behavior. For example a firefly can be made to flash. Thus one could take a double exposure, first to capture the image of the firefly with a flash unit or strobe, then take a second long exposure to show the firefly's return blink. This is just a matter of using the proper setup and over time, causing the firefly to make a return flash, and repeating the process enough times to get the right results. I should perhaps mention here that it was my first observation of the fact male P. pyralis exhibits a rest and alert position and can be induced to flash and fly, which is the exact behavior others have capitalized upon to get pictures of a firefly flash response. So understanding behavior is important if you want to know how to set up a picture and get the results you desire. Plus you often have to take many pictures, over and over, just to get one right. This also is what photographers do, whether working in the studio or in nature. Once you get the technique down pat, you need to take many pictures to get a result you will be happy with. In the case of fireflies flashing at night, the best results can be obtained in a studio where you can control the ambient light. That is, you can use a flash or strobe to illuminate the subject, then photograph the return or response flash under total darkness via a long exposure.
It is difficult to give specifics as this varies with your equipment. So what I'm doing is trying to point you in the right direction. Look at pictures in National Geographic. Review old copies in the library. They have shown fireflies, railroad worms and other bioluminescent animals. You can learn from these pictures what others have done and see how they did it. Then you can get ideas for the types of pictures you may want to try to take.
If you just want to set up a camera and photograph fireflies from a long distance flying around at night, good luck. At best you would have to have a very dark night and some very bright fireflies. This is even difficult to do when you have synchronous flashing displays as in southeast Asia. But it is more difficult to do if you have rapidly flying fireflies. This is why so often in movies and commercials you see animations of fireflies flashing at night. I recall one movie, A Mid Summer Night's Dream with Woody Allen which showed an inaccurate animation of firefly flashes. And recently there has been a commercial which fails miserably to show how fireflies really look when they flash. Plus there is currently in production a movie entitled Fireflies which inaccurately depicts their glow in promotional material. When they contacted me with regard to being a consultant, they did not seem too concerned about this fact and were not willing to pay my price for help to insure such errors would not be made in their film. I suggest if you want to enjoy greater success, you observe rather closely how fireflies appear. Then learn to photograph them at close range. Then take something like a green LED, rig it so it has the same intensity and approximate wavelength as a firefly, and experiment to see how to capture this on film. What you find may be interesting as this will show you the limitations involved as with regard to the law of inverse squares as it relates to intensity and film sensitivity.
You could make an extensive project of photographing fireflies and other bioluminescent animals. In fact, this is a specialized area of photography. You can do some very interesting things in the future if you work at it. But as with any form or art, experimentation and manipulation is required. Your are not "stealing" images, so much as you are recording moments in time, little snapshots of natural history, and the sooner you learn how to record them accurately, then the better results you will get.
Here is an experiment you can do to get an idea of what is possible. Male adult fireflies can be made to glow continuously. When they are glowing continuously this gives you the opportunity to get some interesting photographs. Several examples of continuous glow are when a firefly is smashed, injured or begins to expire. Also when a firefly is captured by a spider it flashes repeatedly and then after some minutes glows constantly after the venom from the spider has paralyzed its muscles. In fact the later behavior is what I'd like to draw your attention to. Try to get some good photographs of fireflies glowing after they have been captured by hunting spiders (wolf spiders) or orb web weavers.
In fact making a film or video of this behavior is something I'd like to see. This may not be what you had in mind, but it would certainly make for a much more interesting photograph, and one that would be possible to get good results, than, say, what you were proposing, a long shot of a Texas landscape at night of fireflies flashing in a field or meadow.
By the way, I happened to observe a rather remarkable display of fireflies flashing in synchrony in 1988, east of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It was a very dark night and this occurred in an area that had been clear cut and was away from city lights. A place like that would be the best area to try to photograph fireflies in the field, but one can not easily predict when such mass gatherings of fireflies will occur. I was just lucky to have been at the right place at the right time. It was one of those sights which is best photographed by the eye and mind, as when one views a great landscape like the Grand Canyon at sunset. You can try taking pictures of it, but the pictures are never quite as grand as the first hand experience. This is one of the limitations of photography in that the human eye and mind remain more sensitive than the camera, for it is not only light we are recording, but the entire sensory experience of the moment. Plus with respect to fireflies, you are dealing with a living organism, one which is active, moves, flies, flashes, all as part of a mating ritual. It is difficult to capture this nocturnal behavior on film, in still photography, as what we record in the moment fails to show what occurs the very next moment ... and it is this grand display or dance of fireflies of which you speak, which is what characterizes the summer night when fireflies are active.
Well, I hope this will be of some help to you. If you are patient and persistent, I would think you will be able to experiment and come up with some interesting images of fireflies and their behavior in the future. But you have get up close and personal if you ever want to get those best pictures ... as there is no escaping the law of inverse squares!
I would like to see any photographs you are able to take. Some particular pictures I'd like to see are:
- Good shots of fireflies copulating.
- Close ups of fireflies in flight, especially motion pictures or video.
- Any close ups of fireflies flashing.
- Recordings of fireflies flashing in synchrony.
- Scanning electron micrographs of fireflies and their larvae.
Please let me know what results you are able to get or if you need any additional help. If you have access to a scanning electron microscope I may be able to provide specimens of fireflies or firefly larvae in return for credit related to any work published. Thank you for your consideration and have fun photographing fireflies!
- How do I collect and submit firefly specimens? The following fact sheet was prepared for anyone who is interested in collecting fireflies and submitting specimens. Note: Please contact Terry Lynch for a mailing address if you are interested in submitting specimens. I only accept specimens that are properly collected and preserved (see below).
Collecting and Preserving Insect Specimens
How to collect and preserve fireflies and other small insects for microscopic observation, photographing and related studies
Adult fireflies or other small insects may be collected with an insect net and preserved in 70% alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Use a small bottle with a tight fitting lid, especially if sending specimens through the mail.
Label the specimens using a pencil, not ink which runs if it get alcohol upon it. Indicate your name, address, where or how specimen was collected or found and date collected. When written in pencil this can be placed on the INSIDE of the bottle with the specimens. A second label with the same information should be taped to the outside of the bottle.
When sending specimens through the mail wrap the bottle in bubble wrap. I prefer bubble wrap to pop corn as the pop corn is loose and messy! Put the specimen bottle wrapped inside bubble wrap inside a Zip Lock bag and seal the bag. This is just an extra precaution so that if the bottle breaks or leaks the contents remains inside.
Then put this in a small cardboard box or envelop. Enclose a cover letter which states: "Enclosed are insect specimens preserved in 70% alcohol for your study and usage. This specimen sample contains NO living organisms or biohazard agents." You may say whatever else you want.
Please do not send any material you need to be returned. All submissions become the property of Terry Lynch as they may be mounted, dissected or otherwise used. I will give credit to collectors for sending samples should they be used in any studies or photographed and the results published, including publications via the Internet.
Before posting specimens contact terrylynch@aol.com. Ask if you may send a specimen. Upon confirmation you will be notified of the address where you may send specimens.
I am especially interested in fireflies (including firefly larvae). Other small insects, especially those of a colorful or unusual nature which may make good subjects to photograph under a microscope will be accepted. I am also interested in the entire contents of light traps; i.e., insects attracted to UV light traps and collected and preserved in 70% alcohol from known locations and times of trapping.
Note: Many entomologist would prefer insects to be penned and mounted. I prefer specimens preserved in 70% alcohol even though this may cause pigment changes over time, because specimens are to be used for photomicrography studies and should not be damaged by penning.
I reserve the right to publish photographs of any specimens submitted and will give credits to the collector. Also specimens CAN NOT be returned and may be destroyed during handling, processing or usage.
DO NOT send any live specimens. I DO NOT want live specimens. All specimens sent for usage should be preserved in 70% alcohol. Be sure bottles do not leak. Plastic electric tape around a bottle cap helps make a good seal. Using Saran wrap over the top of a bottle before placing the cap on will also help make a good seal. If you do not have glass specimen bottles you may get these from a supply house. You may also get small specimen bottles from some pharmacists or recycle commercial product bottles.
For UV light traps use small 1/2 pint canning jars available at any grocery store and seal with regular canning lids. You can collect thousands of small insects using a UV light trap, some for your own studies, others to share with associates. In fact using UV light traps to collect insects is a good way to determine what species are active at night and occur in different areas. A good research project would be to travel across the country making UV light trap collections and then reporting the quality (type; i.e., genus-species) and quantity of insects collected. Also this can be done for specific locations or areas and/or studies limited to a particular genus-species active at night and attracted to UV light.
How to make a UV light trap. Buy a small UV light fixture, the kind that has a cord, switch and bulb all included. These generally measure about 18 inches long. The popular variety used to illuminate posters works great as do the type used to illuminate aquariums. These may be found in pet shops or novelty shops. Refer to Terry's UV Light Trap to see what one of these type of traps looks like so that you may more easily follow this design to make your own UV light trap.
Hang the UV light outside, suspended vertically. Then use a piece of cloth, plastic or other material to make a stop or block with a funnel shaped collector underneath this. The idea is to arrange this so that when insects are attracted to the light they hit the collector and fall down into a collection bottle. You can be creative in your configuration here. I've made some UV light traps which use cross panel stops made from Plexiglas or foam core board with the UV light mounted in the center. Insects attracted to the light hit the panels and then fall into a funnel/collection bottle. You can make a funnel form the neck of a liter plastic soda bottle. One of the best designs is to use a cylinder of wire mesh with the UV light in the center, then the funnel arrangement below. These end up looking sort of like a bug zapper, except instead of zapping the insects with high voltage, you collect them in a funnel/alcohol bottle below the trap.
Use a small 1/2 pint jar to collect insects in 70% alcohol. Samples made during warm summer months when night flying insects are very active can yield tremendous numbers of small insects in a very short time. When making critical studies be sure to change your collection jar each night and properly label it to indicate who, when, where and what was collected.
UV light traps have long been used by entomologist to collect insects. Portable units set up in the field, away from city lights can yield and amazing assortment of insects in a very short time.
Got a Firefly Question?
- Where can I send my questions about fireflies?
Send your firefly questions to Terry Lynch. I generally try to answer e-mails promptly and may add to this site over time. Please begin all inquires with a Letter of Introduction. Include your real name along with your location (city, state, country) and any specific observation or findings which relate to your question. If you have any related experience to firefly or insect studies, please relate this. Also give specifics as relates to your association with any college or university. There is a $20.00 minimum consultation fee due upon receipt of any personalized help via email. If you have received personalized help in the past, please realize this took time and effort and return the favor by making a $20.00 or more donation to Project Firefly. Thank you for your inquiry and support!
- What are those strobe lights hovering above the horizon: UFO's and other sightings?
Not all lights in the sky are fireflies: UFO's vs. Lampyridae
I don't know what those lights in the sky are, but they probably are not fireflies! If you are seeing strange lights in the sky, hovering over the woods, meadows, lakes or ocean, this would come under the category of UFO's, not bioluminescent animals. Fireflies are small insects with lanterns that glow which you can hold in your hand, not ethereal gases or hovering luminescent discs. If you send me an email as an anonymous person about such a sighting it will be considered as such and probably not taken too seriously. After all, I study fireflies and other creatures which glow, and though these and other bioluminescent animals are quite alien species compared to humans, they are NOT visitors from beyond! So if you send me a UFO sighting it will be treated with skepticism and jocularity as in the cases below:
Can you tell me what insect this is? My grandparents live on the border of Maryland and West Virginia in a small mountain resort by the Youghiogheny River in Oakland, Maryland. It's full or wildlife and their aren't too many people there. At night (like REALLY dark clear nights) several times in late June or early July, around 1 or 2 o'clock, they would see bright lights (as bright as strobe lights) about six inches in diameter hovering above the ground. They would illuminate at the same time and go away at the same time as well. Sometimes they would hover in a circle. Never before have we seen it's source. If it is a firefly can you please tell me why they behave that way? Submitted rather anonymously via email.
This sounds more like a UFO sighting than any fireflies or other bioluminescent organisms I'm aware of which may occur in West Virginia.
There are, of course, fireflies in West Virginia, as well as foxfire, which is really a bioluminescent fungi often seen upon decaying wood in densely forested areas. But I know of no six inch diameter fireflies. Of course elderly people often have vision problems which might make tiny lights seen from afar seem larger given the apparent glow or aura like effect caused by cataract or other medical conditions which produce blurred vision. Even fluid over the eye when one first wakes can create auras around distant street lights or the moon! People suffering from migraines or epilepsy have also reported a sensation of glowing light.
I would suggest the person who saw these floating orbs have their eyes tested and should these be found to be 20/20 then their sense of humor should be tallied; then, their heads examined, as I've known quite a few parents and grandparents given to spinning a good yarn.
Why for centuries there were even tales of glowing flocks of birds, yet bioluminescence is not known to occur in birds, reptiles or mammals. Bioluminescence has only been reported in certain bacteria, fungi, one-celled animals, sponges, jellyfish-like animals, corals, marine worms, clams, snails, arthropods (including insects) and a variety of deep sea fishes. To my knowledge none of these deep sea creatures have taken to the air and are hovering in the woods of West Virginia. However, I did hear a fanciful tale of a tribe of natives who covered their bodies with a glowing goo of mashed lightening bugs and danced naked in the woods, leaping and lurching about until they fainted after drinking a mix believed to contain psychedelic mushrooms. They claimed to have experienced astral projection and were transported through a worm hole into another time and dimension where there was no physical form of existence, only that which was imagined.
There was, of course, no truth to this tale, it having been made up by a writer of science fiction and fantasy. However, in his wonderful review of fireflies, "In Defense of Magic: The Story of Fireflies," Howard Ensign Evans does mention Pyrophorus, a variety of bioluminescent click beetle, saying, "When Sir Robert Dudly and Sir James Cavendish first landed in Cuba, they saw great numbers of lights moving about in the woods. Supposing them to be Spaniards with torches, ready to advance upon them, the British withdrew to their ships and went on to settle Jamaica. In this manner Pyrophorus may be said to have changed the course of history." (H. E. Evans. Life on a Little Known Planet. p 108).
So I dare say, hearing about dancing fairies or six inch UFOs in the woods of West Virginia, where folklore is alive and well and moonshine still flows freely from the Maw's and Paw's jug, nothing surprises me anymore!
Now should you take an insect net and capture any live specimens of fireflies in West Virginia, which excludes glowing swamp gases, then you may begin to inquire of their species. And should you wish to share your confirmed sighting with me by posting specimens of fireflies and a description or recording of their flash pattern, then please do so.
Oh, and tell your grandparents to go easy on the whisky ... a little too much moonshine will make folk see all sorts of glowing orbs in the night, coming and going all at the same time, which of course, means they were not their at all!
***END*** Believe it or not this person's mother wrote me back disappointed that I did not take the sighting of six-inch diameter fireflies seriously, claiming they were made by a well respected persons, thought my reply was "rude and impertinent," declaring they would take the matter up with the National Academe of Science, to which I further replied:
When someone sends a rather preposterous inquiry anonymously, and forever remain anonymous, they should be grateful for any reply at all!
Quite frankly I do not care who may have made the UFO type observation indicated. There simply do not exist any six inch diameter fireflies! But there certainly does exist a long history of UFO sighting by a long list of so called "professional" people. Until you can establish otherwise, the report sent me falls into that category, one of hoaxes and/or illusions, or at the very best a poorly reported sighting or some unknown phenomena.
You are quite welcome to relate said report, my reply and reference to my Firefly FAQ site at http://www.byteland.org/naturalist/firefly_faq.html to the National Academy of Science or to any other entomological society you wish. But unless you do a better job of identifying who your are, specifying who made the observation in the first place, giving more specific details along with the collection of bioluminescent specimens, you should expect to be met with skepticism, not taken seriously and/or laughed at by those who are scientifically minded and have heard their fill of rumors about UFO's and other glowing orbs which, quite frankly, do not exist except in the minds and imaginations of those who pretend to see them.
So Mr/Ms Anonymous, either come out and identify yourself or stop sending out wildly fanciful emails and spreading rumors about sightings which YOU personally did not see, photograph or have any real data to verify. Without any proof a report remains unsubstantiated. Science, unlike the court of human affairs, requires proof in the form of observations and/or experiments others can repeat and verify. So far you have shown nothing but rumor and rumor does not have any merit except to those who base their life on faith rather than scientific investigation.
I suggest you collect some of the specimens producing the lights of which you speak and pass them on to a taxonomist for identification. Otherwise I'm perfectly comfortable with saying that the rumor of which you speak is nothing more nor less than such, a UFO sighting, the result of poor vision or some drunken or drug induced delusion.
It is not the first time people have thought they saw a bioluminescent animal which simply does not exist. Were the observations of which you spoke at 3,000 feet beneath the surface of the ocean, I'd grant them some merit. But there simply are no fireflies with six-inch diameter lanterns, no bioluminescent birds, bats or hovering butterflies with lights on their tails or wings! There are bioluminescent gnats in New Zealand which cause some quite spectacular displays. And there is foxfire, a bioluminescent fungi which has been known to produce some wonderful displays. And of course there are numerous species of fireflies in North America as well as bioluminescent click beetles and phengodes larvae which have eleven pairs of lights along their sides. But these do not float or hover as larvae simply do not have wings and can not fly or hover above the ground.
So I suggest that until you can produce these six-inch diameter hovering strobe light creatures, that they do not exist! Show them to me! You can't because they do not exist!
Who now is the one you want to report to the National Academy of Science? I'm sure they will greet your anonymous rumor of giant strobes hovering like UFOs with as much skepticism as I do. While you are at it I suggest you report this to those people who deal with paranormal phenomena as well as NASA. I'm sure they might be interested in six-inch hovering strobe lights. Plus if you are getting a laugh trying to see if you can perpetuate a hoax about bioluminescent animals, it ain't working!
You should note that the initial inquiry sent to me was treated with added skepticism because the sender failed to identify themselves or the people claimed to have made said observation. Anonymous reports do not merit much serious consideration. That you now claim the persons making said observations are responsible, credible and/or professional means nothing as you still haven't identified them and shared a first hand, authored account. Thus this report remains a rumor! Until this is corrected you are just passing on a rumor and I do not treat all rumors seriously. Quite frankly this reminds me of Big Foot or the Lock Ness monster. Should you wish you can report me to the National Academy of Science for being skeptical in regard to those sightings also!
- Where can I get more information about fireflies and your research? For additional information about fireflies and my research you may refer to the original reports and articles which I have published on-line (see below).
Original Reports by T. A. Lynch
- Firefly FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Fireflies by Terry Lynch A basic review of fireflies with illustrations and photographs by Terry Lynch who has been studying fireflies and other insect behavior since 1968.
- 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 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?
- 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 Urban Jungle: Alien fungi and other wondrous flora and fauna of backyard America
- Photinus pyralis Gallery: Microphotographs of embryonic firefly and early instar larvae
- 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
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- Why do you study and rear fireflies and how can I support your work?
Many people have asked why I study and rear fireflies and/or how they may support my work.
I have a passion for the study and learning about fireflies and other bioluminescent animals and plants. This is driven by an a deep curiosity to know and understand about life and the universe.
My concern with respect to rearing fireflies is NOT for commercial applications, but so that they may be reared and studied genetically to establish the relationship between behavior; i.e., flash pattern and mating behavior, and genetic code variation. I am primarily concerned with the rearing of fireflies in the laboratory and their study in nature.
Others have suggested applications in agriculture, as to control snails; their entertainment value, as in enclosed firefly habitats which tourist might pay to see; or, their introduction to an area which, for one reason or another, does not have fireflies.
Although all these applications may be possible, my primary concern is with the pure scientific study of fireflies, to learn about their behavior and share my discoveries with others for their enlightenment and enjoyment. I do NOT make a profit from this unless you want to make a donation to The Firefly Project. (see below).
- What is Project Firefly and how can I contribute to this important project?
Project Firefly is an independent, not-for-profit, unincorporated project dedicated to the research and study of fireflies and sharing information about fireflies and other bioluminescent animals and plants with people everywhere. Please visit the Project Firefly home page. If you are doing research or any type of serious studies related to fireflies you may be listed on the Project Firefly home page.
One of the primary goals of Project Firefly is to motivate people worldwide to study fireflies and help those interested in the study of fireflies to network and share their knowledge, experience and discoveries. You may support Project Firefly in a number of ways:
Make a donation: Donations of any amount are acceptable and will be applied to the research and study of fireflies and educational, on-line publications or Internet sites related to said firefly studies and/or other natural history, educational or informative projects. Suggested donations are: $5.00 student, $10.00 individual, $20.00 family, $50.00 business, $100.00 corporation, $500.00 benefactor. Donations are considered a gift to a private individual and are NOT tax deductible. There is a $20.00 minimum consultation fee due upon receipt of any personalized help via email. If you have received personalized help in the past, please realize this took time and effort and return the favor by making a $20.00 or more donation to Project Firefly. You may also make donations via PayPal.com to the email address of terrylynch@aol.com. Thank you for your consideration and support.
You may also help by purchasing design items featured on Blinks and Links or available via our sponsor. Thank you for your support.
Links and Resources
Click here to visit our sponsor! Thank you! - How many types of fireflies are there? In North America (north of Mexico) there are about 170 species of fireflies; this number increases to about 200 species of Lampyridae for all of North America. World wide there are over 1,900 species of fireflies. I'm not sure what the latest count is as this certainly changes every time someone discovers a new species of firefly and I'm not the one to whom this is reported. It is probably true that no one really knows exactly how many species of fireflies there may be as some species can only be distinguished if you observe and record the flash patterns exhibited during courtship . Worldwide this has only been done for a relatively few species of fireflies. Species which may appear to structurally be identical may prove to be uniquely different when the flash patterns they exhibit during courtship are analyzed.