Firefly Sightings
- Catching fireflies is an important part of summer.
- Help us track where people are seeing fireflies in their backyard.
- Submit your sightings on the map and connect with others who spotted fireflies in your area.
Submit Your sightings
Fun Fact:
There are estimated to be 2,000 firefly species. These insects live in a variety of warm environments, as well as in more temperate regions, and are a familiar sight on summer evenings.
Fun Fact:
Firefly light is usually intermittent, and flashes in patterns that are unique to each species. Each blinking pattern is an optical signal that helps fireflies find potential mates.
Glowing, Glowing, Gone.
Remember watching fireflies light up your yard on hot summer nights? Fireflies are beautiful, mysterious, and magical—and for many of us, catching and spotting them is an important part of summer. But firefly populations are dwindling all over the country—and all over the world.
- Photinus Pyralis eastern US firefly
Why Are Fireflies Disappearing?
Nobody knows for sure. But most researchers blame two main factors: development and light pollution. Most species of fireflies thrive as larvae in rotting wood and forest litter at the margins of ponds and streams. And as they grow, they more or less stay where they were born. Read More
- Catching fireflies
How Can I Help Fireflies Recover?
Fireflies are disappearing all over the world, and it’s believed to be because of human encroachment on habitat and increased light pollution from development and traffic. But there are a few things you can do to help fireflies make a comeback in your area. Follow these steps, and with luck your yard will once again sparkle on summer nights. Read More
Read more about FireFly Facts >>
Your FireFly Story
I thought Fireflies were hot by touch when I was twelve.
I saw my first firefly when I was 12 years old in Michigan. I thought they would would burn me when I touched them. It wasn't until I touched them did a learn what the glow was... More
Tell your story of fireflies
About this Website
This site is a resource on fireflies. We’ve got information on why fireflies are disappearing and what you can do to help. We’ve also got answers to frequently asked questions about fireflies, from why they glow to what they eat.
In addition, you can share pictures and stories, connect with other firefly fans, and document your firefly sightings online.
Check out our online resources to learn more about fireflies—and how you can help them make a comeback.
You may know fireflies by another name, they are sometimes referred to as fireflys, lightning bugs, glow worms, or luciérnaga.
Firefly WatchHow to Catch Fireflies
It's firefly season! You should start seeing fireflies soon. Learn tips on how best to catch and release fireflies. | More
Creating Firefly Habitats
What kind of habitat do fireflies like? Why do they like standing water? | More
Share Your Firefly Story
This is the place to tell us how you brought fireflies back in your yard. | More
How to Help Fireflies
There are a few things you could do to help to restore fireflies in your backyard | More