Count Your Lightning Bugs

Lightning bugs, fireflies, glowworms…whatever you call them. They are a hallmark of humid summer nights and a core memory for most of us. And now you have a chance to help scientists help our flashy little friends. All you need is 10 mins a week to watch fireflies in your backyard. Count how many fireflies you see in 10 minutes and document that count here: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs-events/community-science/firefly-watch I don't know a single person who doesn't love seeing lightning bugs, but in case you need more fun facts to love fireflies, here you go:•&emsp;&emsp;There are about 150 species of fireflies in the United States•&emsp;&emsp;Fireflies are actually beetles•&emsp;&emsp;Fireflies are poisonous - their glow warns predators of bad taste•&emsp;&emsp;Adult fireflies only live for a few weeks - larval fireflies may live 2 years•&emsp;&emsp;Fireflies use their flashes to attract mates•&emsp;&emsp;The fireflies you see in your backyard tonight are the result of a successful breeding season from 2021, and tonight's fireflies will be the parents of fireflies that you will see flashing in 2025 Some species of fireflies are threatened with extinction. In the state of Pennsylvania, fireflies are at risk. Firefly populations are impacted by light pollution, habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Here are some ways to help fireflies in your neighborhood:•&emsp;&emsp;Turn off your outside lights in June, July and August. External lighting confuses fireflies and can interfere with their ability to find a mate.•&emsp;&emsp;Don't use pesticides!•&emsp;&emsp;Reduce lawnmowing. Fireflies stay on the ground during the day.•&emsp;&emsp;Plant native plants (https://www.firefly.org/plants-for-fireflies) •&emsp;&emsp;Protect marshes and wetlands. Fireflies love humid and moist environments.•&emsp;&emsp;Leave the leaves in the fall. Firefly larvae live in fallen leaves – don't throw them away.•&emsp;&emsp;Don't let your kids catch fireflies or keep them in jars – instead, take them on firefly walks (Lightning Bug Blitz!) or encourage kids to count the fireflies instead. Have fun counting! Let's do what we can to keep lightning bugs around for the next generation.