Project Firefly
Creatures which glow I must search for!
Welcome to Project Firefly! Please help. We need firefly specimens from around the world. Please collect firefly specimens and preserve them in 70% alcohol with your name, date, and location where collected (city, state, province, county). Send firefly specimens to:
Terry Lynch
Project Firefly
120 Anderson St.
Quitman, MS 39355
For more information about how to collect and submit specimens visit
Dr. Firefly
.
Specimens submitted will be used to make new Firefly Keys, biodiversity and assay maps, and for other work related to the preservation of firefly species. This information will help in determining where there are healthy firefly populations as well as in efforts to help preserve and protect fireflies populations. Millions of fireflies are being destroyed each year by urbanization, pollution, over-spraying for mosquitoes, and other stress factors. Collecting specimens is the key to saving fireflies because the only way to identify those species which are impacted is to collect a few representative specimens, identify them, and then work to save fireflies in those areas where they are endangered by over populatin and other stresses placed upon the environment. Please help by participating in Project Firefly. Thank you for your help and support!
Please Support Project Firefly
Please click on The Fireflier to make a donation today. Thank you!
Please support Project Firefly. We need to raise $10,000,000.00 to support the establishment and maintenance of a mobile research project which will study the effects of global warming and urbanization upon the environment and how it is effecting firefly populations and other organisms which are effected by changes in the environment and serve as early warning systems. Please make a donation to help Project Firefly. Click on the Fireflier Mobile Field Station and make a donation today! All funds will be used to help establish and maintain Project Firefly, to acquire and operate the Fireflier Mobile Field Station, to provide equipment and supplies and to operate the Project Firefly outreach program, maintain the Project Firefly web site and employ personnel. Thank you for your patronage and support!
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Project Firefly is an on going effort to bring together people around the world who are actively engaged in the study of fireflies. If you are doing research on fireflies and would like to be listed in this index please contact Terry Lynch. Please provide a recent photograph of yourself, preferably one of you doing field work with fireflies, and a brief biographical sketch describing your work with fireflies. All submissions become the property of Project Firefly, cannot be returned and may be published by Project Firefly without any further monetary or other form of compensation.
Firefly Experts and Fanciers
The firefly man aka Dr. Firefly. Yep, I've been watching fireflies so long that I've turned green with envy! :-)
Terry Lynch is a naturalist who has been interested in the study of fireflies, aphids and other wildlife since he began keeping field observations and notebooks in 1968. He has traveled widely throughout the United State photographing figures and forms in nature. Lynch has made presentations to professional organizations and clubs and has published hundreds of scientific and technical illustrations, photographs and graphic designs. Lynch is most noted for his work with respect to the study of Photinus pyralis, a very common species of firefly which occurs throughout the southeastern United States. Lynch was the first person to observe and describe the rest/alert positions of preflight behavior in fireflies, to develop practical mass rearing techniques for fireflies, to observe aggregate behavior in P. pyralis larvae and to video tape the predacious behavior of P. pyralis larvae attacking earthworms. Lynch has published many of his studies online to motivate and inspire others worldwide.
For additional information about fireflies or other natural history topics you may enjoy visiting these sites produced and hosted by Terry Lynch:
Additional Resources
Enjoy these additional sites produced by Terry Lynch.
Firefly FAQs Frequently asked questions: Everything you always wanted to know about fireflies; the ABC's of fireflies; questions and answers by Terry Lynch.
- 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, 16:40hrs.
- 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.
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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.
The Firefly Emporium
Original firefly creations, caricatures and slogans for your enjoyment
Visit The Firefly Gallery to see more great firefly gifts and apparel and our latest updates. If you have a firefly site and need content, you may download any of our great firefly gifts and apparel pics and post them on your site with links back to The Firefly Gallery. You may also link to this Firefly Emporium by using the HTML code http://www.byteland.org/naturalist/firefly_faq.html#emporium.
You will adore these lovely gifts and apparel which feature great firefly designs creations with some very delightful, fun slogans. Just pick from this great collection of favorites firefly gifts and apparel. We accept major credit cards and PayPal. Plus every purchase will help maintain this great firefly site.
Please help raise awareness and save the firefly by drawing attention to this critical concern with these high quality original graphic designs produced by naturalist, Terry Lynch. Many of the designs were produced from original sketches, graphics or caricatures. Each gift and apparel item is a high quality product which will bring you much satisfaction and enjoyment.
Associated Sites
Save the Firefly | Dr. Firefly | Firefly FAQs | Blinks & Links | Firefly Gallery | Sci-Tech Designs | Butterflies Are Magic | International Slug Fest | International Spider Fest | International Butterfly Fest | Project GEO | Support This Project | Contact the Author
Copyright © 1999 - 2010 by Terry Lynch. All Rights Reserved. The photographs, illustrations and copy written material on this site is my original work. If you want to reprint or use any of this material you need prior written permission. Please contact Terry Lynch if you would like to use any of this material. Thank you for your consideration.
