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FUN FACT

How to Catch a Firefly
Get prepared for this year! Fireflies start appearing as early as April and May in the US. Learn tips on how best to catch and release fireflies. LEARN MORE
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GET INVOLVED

Create a Firefly Sanctuary
Join many others around the world in creating firefly sanctuaries and habitats in their own backyards! Learn how to make one to attract fireflies and get practical advice on how to get started. LEARN MORE

FIREFLY FACT

Number of Species
In North America, there are an estimated 270+ species. Worldwide there is estimated 2400+ species. These numbers are going up as new Lampyridae species are described by scientists.

FUN FACT

Why Blink?
The purpose of blinking is so that male fireflies can find potential mates. If you watch long enough you will be able to pick up on their unique flash pattern. Try to remember it so that next time you see a firefly flash you can identify it.

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Have you seen a firefly?
Firefly scientists are in urgent need of your observations! Become a citizen scientist and record your sighting using iNaturalist. Using our helpful guide you'll learn what you need to know to document an important firefly observation.
SUBMIT AN OBSERVATION

FUN FACT

Making Light
Fireflies combine three special substances in their photic organs to make light. The three substances are: luciferin (a pigment), luciferase (an enzymatic catalyst), and ATP (nucleotide that provides energy to cells). As they breathe in oxygen, it charges this reaction and by regulating the amount of oxygen they take in they can modulate the flash they produce!
  • LEARN
  • Disappearing Fireflies
  • Light Pollution
  • Facts About Fireflies
  • How to Catch Fireflies
  • Types of Fireflies
  • Synchronous Fireflies
  • Firefly Habitat
  • What is a Riparian Zone?
  • Firefly Names
  • Firefly Questions
  • Firefly Stories
  • Bioluminescent Insects
  • GET INVOLVED
  • Build Firefly Habitat
  • Create a Firefly Sanctuary
  • Certify Your Backyard
  • Donate Now
  • Report A Firefly Sighting
  • How to Help
  • Plants for Fireflies
  • The Selangor Declaration
  • FIELD GUIDES
  • Texas Fireflies
  • RESOURCES
  • Firefly Pictures
  • Firefly Resources
  • ABOUT US
  • About Ben
  • Speaking Schedule
  • Contact Us
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  • Donate Now

Contact us if you have any questions, media requests, stories, and pictures by emailing us at: firefly@firefly.org

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