Fireflies

This week the stars twinkled above, but the real show was on the ground. The temperature was warm, and the wind died down and it was perfect conditions for the quintessential summer bug to light up our nights with their enchanting glow. Yes, fireflies were out in full force. The night transformed into a tiny, synchronized fireworks display. If you didn’t catch the show this week, don’t worry, it’s being held over for another few weeks!

The first time I remember seeing so many fireflies, was years ago in our barnyard. I glanced out the window and saw something flash. I was alarmed thinking someone was in the barnyard with a flashlight. Upon closer examination, it was hundreds of fireflies on display.

Lightning bugs/fireflies are small, winged beetles with a unique trademark ability to produce light. This is called “bioluminescence”. They captivate our imagination with their bioluminescent glow. If you see them in the daytime, they are quite an ugly bug, you’d never know they had this hidden talent.

What are they doing? Are they flirting, arguing, or just having fun? You would be right if you guessed they are flirting and having fun! They are attracting a mate. They flash their derriere in a most dignified fashion. Their unique flashing pattern signals females “I’m available”. (I know you just had a flashback of that guy in your group back in the day)

They also use their “flashing lights” to warn of danger. It signals the bugs to produce distasteful chemicals to discourage predators. I’m sure it has a smell associated with it. That would work like a fart in an elevator. “Nope, I’ll take the next elevator thank you”

Google says “fireflies don’t just produce yellow light, like we commonly see. Different species of fireflies can produce red, green and orange! These beetles have full control over their light organ and can turn it on and off as they please. This allows the fireflies to use their blinking derrieres for different purposes”.

I imagine the blinking red-light fireflies are the cops! “Pull over! You’re going to spend 30 days in the slammer for blinking at my girl”

Let’s enjoy their magical glow for a few more weeks as they light up our summer nights. It means you have to stay up late to catch them showing off. Not unlike your party days!