Week of July 5, 2026 – July 11, 2026
by Amelia Gross, Environmental Educator
This weekend hundreds of millions of people gathered to watch fireworks across the country. While an impressive display, it led me to think about things we witness in nature that are equally (if not more) awe-inspiring.
My brain quickly jumped to the most comparable – the northern lights, meteor showers, or even a vibrant sunset taking up the sky. Seeing the world around us light up in these grand ways is remarkable, and for many of us, they are more of a bucket list item than a daily occurrence. But, we are lucky to have this sensation in smaller forms as well, bringing me to a tiny, but equally fascinating summer sight, the firefly.
Whether you’re from the Southern or Midwestern US and prefer the term “lightning bug”, or you are a Northeastern native like me, fireflies are a beautiful and nostalgic part of summer. After recently seeing my first one of the season, I was left with some questions about these small, luminous insects.
Even though the phenomenon of bioluminescence is common for marine species, it is rather rare among terrestrial organisms. Fireflies’ flashes of light serve to attract mates as well as act as a defense mechanism, warning predators that they possess toxins, all while wowing children and adults alike.
Despite being a beloved symbol of summertime and key part of their ecosystem, data on fireflies is not as vast as one might expect. Declines in some populations have been reported, but most species are categorized as “Data Deficient.” Without adequate baseline data, it is very difficult to determine if populations are stable or declining. Unfortunately, large-scale investigations are costly and time consuming, with the added challenge that fireflies spend the majority of their lives as larvae and can be difficult to identify by specific species.
Thankfully, current research is being supported by community scientists, and you too can contribute data through specific programs like Firefly Atlas or more general ones like iNaturalist. Reporting your firefly sightings is a great way to help, but what else can we do to help protect this beloved species and ensure their bright lights shine for generations to come?
Habitat loss is one of the biggest threats facing insects everywhere, and fireflies are no exception. Planting native plants, keeping grass tall and moist in your yard helps these species thrive. Additionally, insecticides and pesticides are dangerous to fireflies, especially the larvae who reside underground or in leaf litter. Reducing light pollution is another way to support these small insects. Closing curtains, turning outdoor lights off, or switching to red lightbulbs are all good ways to ensure fireflies are able to communicate with their light.
Supporting these conservation actions is about much more than just one species. Lots of other insect species are at risk, but unfortunately not everyone sees the importance of these species. Often thought of as pests, disease-carrying, or simply gross, finding general support for supporting insects is not so simple. In this way, fireflies are quite powerful. Where a moth or fly may not garner support, fireflies are a good way to start the conversation and get people interested in conservation efforts for our important (even though small and crawly) species.
Want to learn more about bugs? Check out our upcoming programs for some exciting, family-friendly events.