Firefly Season is Here - How to Attract the Sparkles to Your Backyard

The peak of firefly season is upon us. When and where can you catch these sparkling lights of summer? Here is what you need to know.

When and Where to Expect Fireflies to Appear

If you live in the central and eastern portions of the country, you may have already caught a glimpse of fireflies lighting up the night skies. The arrival of the distinctive glow of fireflies is a hallmark of the summer season. However, the timing of these critters is heavily influenced by location, habitat, weather, and species.

A map built by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility notes the expected timing of the Big Dipper Firefly. Known in scientific terms as Photinus pyralis, this species is most common in June, July, and August in the central and eastern U.S. Because it is the most common species of fireflies in the U.S., it is a good barometer to lean on when comparing the start and peak of the season throughout different parts of the country.

The timing of fireflies can vary greatly by season. Richard Joyce, a conservation biologist with the Xerces Society, said that the Big Dipper Firefly is a good species to track because it is the most widespread, showing up as far south as the Florida Panhandle and Texas to the north into Michigan. One area that you will not find the Big Dipper Firefly at any time of the year is the far northern reaches of the country, including New England.

Some parts of the southeastern U.S. see certain firefly species appear as early as March and April before disappearing during the peak of the summer. Activity begins to ramp up in the mid-Atlantic, the Appalachians, and the Midwest in June. July brings the peak of the Big Dipper Firefly to the northern tier of the country, including the Great Lakes and the Northern Plains. The action begins to die down in August across the country. By September, only a few flickers across the Gulf Coast and the Deep South remain.

Joyce notes that the observations submitted by the public are instrumental in helping scientists to better understand where and when fireflies are the most active. The Xerces Society is able to monitor flash patterns and photographs to help share location details. The flash pattern details also help scientists identify different species of fireflies without having to collect them.

How to Create a Welcoming Environment for Fireflies

The U.S. is home to over 170 named species of fireflies. Many states have dozens of species. For example, approximately 50 species make their way around Florida each year.

Sadly, up to one-third of these species could face extinction in the future. The nocturnal insects are threatened by a number of environmental and man-made factors, including light pollution. This is because fireflies need to use flashing signals to find their mates. The light pollution inherently interferes with this ability, disrupting reproduction cycles.

A lack of moisture is another factor that is leading to the extinction of some types of fireflies. The insects thrive in moist environments because they dry out so easily. Because fireflies are beetles, they need dark and damp environments to find food. Fireflies can live for up to two years. As such, one dry season can significantly impact the number of adults observed a year or two later.

If you want to make your yard more hospitable to fireflies, it is advised to focus on creating a lifeline for the creatures by encouraging a moisture-rich environment. Good ideas include fallen logs and layers of leaves that produce pockets of moisture for the fireflies to feed on.

Decaying logs deliver several benefits for lightning bugs. Female fireflies like these areas because they offer a damp place to hide during the time when the sun is out. However, at night, the females can find a perch on the log to see males. Once the pair mates, the female can go under the logs and lay their eggs.

Other good tips to encourage more fireflies include reducing unnecessary pruning and mowing, avoiding the use of pesticides, and keeping some leaves under trees and bushes. Overly manicured lawns are not breeding places for this type of insect.

Joyce also noted that lightning bugs need this protective environment throughout the year. It is not enough to only support the moist elements during the weeks when the fireflies are visible. The insects are still alive even during the dead of winter. In fact, it may be even more important to keep them nourished during this time, as this is when they are spending more of their time out of sight and burrowed into their moist habitats.

By recognizing that fireflies are a part of a fragile ecosystem, you can do your part to keep the iconic summer glow and its associated magic alive.

Weather changes fast, so help your community stay prepared. Share this story with friends, family, or your group chat, and keep your forecast in the now with Weather Forecast Now.