Fireflies, Lightning Bugs and Summer Science
- familytravelsoluti
- May 26, 2020
- 3 min read
Summertime doesn’t mean learning has to end. The fireflies- or lightning bugs as they were called in my childhood- appearing in the backyard signal the beginning of summer for many of us. Sitting out on the back patio, watching the kids chase them around on a warm summer evening, brings back so many warm memories. With delighted squeals, I am overwhelmed with the questions; “Why do they light up like that? How long do they light up? Can I try to catch one and see how bright they are?”
I love it when my children ask questions. It shows their curiosity and desire to learn. They are interested in the world around them. I never expect to know all the answers to their questions. Many times my answer is “I don’t know, let’s find out!” Then, as I search out the answers, we have an opportunity to discover together. Together, we learn the answers and how to research.
How do fireflies light up?
Fireflies have an organic bioluminescence substance in their abdomen called luciferin. When oxygen, calcium, adenosine triphosphate (ATP-the main energy source of cells) and luciferin combine in the abdomen, there is a chemical reaction and viola, light! How cool is that?
Fireflies can actually light up in a variety of colors from yellow or green to pale red. There are over two thousand different kinds around the world and 150 species in the United States.
Why do they light up?
Scientists believe fireflies light up to attract prey and mate. Male fireflies have a distinctive series of blinks. If you pay close attention, you may be able to watch the courting play out. I have yet to try that out, but who knows this summer might get really boring.
How long do they live?
Fireflies live in the adult stage for two to four weeks. When they are flying around our yards, lighting up, they are in their adult stage. In this part of their lives, they mate and lay eggs. From eggs, they grow and live for 1-2 years in the larval stage.
Why do we see more camping than in our backyard?
Fireflies need decaying leaves, soil or wood to live in during the larval stage. They eat everything and are great in the garden. They will eat slugs and many pests you don’t want in your yard. Unfortunately, when we rake and remove leaves and apply pesticides to yards it kills the fireflies.
We have an organic garden in our backyard, so we choose not to do any of these things in the backyard. Unfortunately, the front yard I have submitted to suburbia. We rake all the leaves to top the garden in the fall. We have all kinds of birds, butterflies, and fireflies in our yard all spring and summer. I didn’t know I was creating a firefly habitat but you can read more about that here. https://firefly.org/
How to Catch a Firefly
Whether you allow your children to simply run with the fireflies or try to catch them is up to you.
Here are some suggestions:
Use a Net https://amzn.to/3SI2Dut
This is much gentler for the fireflies and will do them less harm than hands.
Use a Glass Jar With a Screen top https://amzn.to/4eJDPLc
Make sure you put a moistened, crumbled, unbleached paper towel or coffee filter in the bottom of the jar first, with some grass and an apple slice or small piece of fruit.
Free the Fireflies after a few minutes, hours, or a day.
The fireflies will die if they are brought inside or kept in the jar too long. This is a great opportunity to talk about the fireflies' life span and the child’s interest in a closer examination of the firefly. Observation is the first step in the scientific method.
Reading by the firefly's light in the tent is another great classic activity, but perhaps this tent time is better spent on a deeper discussion around a firefly's purpose. Should we capture them as a light source? Listen to what your child has to say. Your kids are wiser than they seem.
From fireflies to science, philosophy, and feelings; it’s just a family night in the backyard.
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