Summer dusk in southwest Virginia brings tiny, flickering insects, their yellow bulbs brightening scrubby fields and brushy meadows. Many of us reminisce about childhood evenings spent catching these ~ to many the hallmark of summer, childhood and long evenings spent with mason jars in hand and the thrill of the chase.With more than 2,000 species of fireflies found on every continent except Antarctica, the bugs fascinate amateurs and researchers alike, who have yet to solve every mystery concerning the fireflies’ light.Bioluminescence 101. Famous for their emitted light, fireflies source their light from a chemical reaction that takes place in their abdomen, fittingly known as their “lantern.” The reaction takes place between luciferin, oxygen and the enzyme luciferase. Their light is one of the most efficient lights in the world, as almost 100% of the energy the reaction produces is given off as light. In comparison, an incandescent bulb only emits 10% of its energy as light. Because of the little heat that these beetles’ light gives off, their bioluminescence is known as “cold light.”The purpose of the bioluminescence is mostly to attract mates, although other purposes include warning predators and defending territories. Bioluminescence isn’t the bugs’ only superpower. They also deter predators by releasing drops of foul-tasting blood when threatened. Their light can also glow green or orange, and in some cases, firefly larvae glow as well.Firefly Flash Patterns. Each firefly species has a different, unique light pattern used to attract mates or to complete some devious imposter work. Some genera (plural of genus) mimic the flashes of other genera to lure males and eat them.Synchronized fireflies are a seemingly magical species that can only be found in a few places, especially in select pockets across the Appalachian Mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular, accessible place for tourists to see their synchronized displays. Scientists have determined that the synchronization is to make a female certain she responds to one of her same species (avoiding the firefly imposter).More recently, researchers discovered a synchronous species in Watoga State Park in West Virginia (about three hours from Blacksburg). In 2019, the park decided to create a dark-sky haven. By doing so, a retired biologist discovered the rare synchronous firefly species. According to an article by National Geographic’s Lynn Faust, a researcher who discovered synchronous fireflies in the Smokies, they’ve probably been there all along, yet because of decreased light pollution, we can only now see nature’s light show.The peak for synchronous fireflies in the Smokies is past, but next year offers a new chance to see the synchronous fireflies at work.Catching Fireflies. Easy to spot, fireflies abound on summer nights in brushy or marshy areas. Flashlights can disturb the fireflies, so if you do bring one, point it at the ground or cover it in cellophane.Some people recommend imitating the fireflies’ flash patterns with your flashlight, if you’ve taken the opportunity to cover your light in cellophane. Some prefer the classic method of waiting to see a light and catching them in their bare hands. Whichever method you use to catch them, take a peek and let them go.Firefly Conservation. Over recent years, fewer fireflies have been seen, concerning people that the ever-present lightning bug is disappearing.Not yet, but fireflies have been on the decline for years. Reasons include light pollution, destroyed habitat and companies harvesting fireflies. That’s right – some companies pay money for people to capture and send in fireflies, which is a danger to the populations, as harvesting the chemicals requires killing the fireflies. Don’t give in to the temptation to be paid $12 for 600 fireflies.Fireflies’ prime habitat is in meadows or fields and in places with large plant diversity, so commercial development destroying these habitats is a major factor contributing to their decline. Human traffic is also believed to contribute to their reduced numbers. Anecdotal evidence suggests places that once had so many fireflies, even profiting from giving firefly tours, now see much less than previous generations.Observing the beetles in your backyard can help scientists study them better, not to mention the nostalgia of the fireflies dazzling a summer evening. And while it’s not likely that these mysterious creatures will disappear anytime soon, preserving them – and the memories they give to future generations – starts today. Text by Caitlyn Koser Caitlyn Koser is a freelance writer and homeschool student who will attend her first writer conference this summer. Her excellence in research and crafting well-written magazine articles surely will serve her well in her dream to make a living as a published Christian novelist.
