Citizen science mapping the future

Why fireflies light up

Chapter 1

The chemistry of the glow

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Answer

Chapter 2

The language of light

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Answer

Chapter 3

The darker side of the glow

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Answer

Chapter 4

Fireflies in our changing world

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YOUR GOAL

Master of Why fireflies light up

Ch 4 · Fireflies in our changing world

hank The loss of damp breeding grounds

hank Synchronous Fireflies

When the summer nights get warm and sweet, we flash our golden lanterns to the beat.

hank How artificial light disrupts the glow

The loss of damp breeding grounds

hank Destroying wetlands and using lawn chemicals threatens young firefly larvae.

How artificial light disrupts the glow

hank Streetlights and backyard LEDs drown out the faint flashes of fireflies.

Glow, Little Firefly

BETA

hank Tap the flashing light patterns to learn why fireflies glow on warm summer nights.

Fun Fact

Fleeting life: Adult fireflies only live for a few weeks, spending up to two years underground as larvae before emerging.

Gossip

Best way to help fireflies?

Quiz

Approximately how many species of fireflies exist across the globe?

hank Cherished summer traditions of hotaru-gari

Quiz

Which human activity is the leading cause of firefly mating disruption?

hank Citizen science mapping the future

Quiz

Which citizen science project tracks firefly populations in North America?

Quiz

How long do fireflies typically live as underground larvae?

Quiz

What is the primary food source for most firefly larvae?

Quiz

What is the Japanese term for the traditional activity of firefly watching?

Quiz

Why are manicured, pesticide-treated lawns bad for fireflies?

Quiz

What simple action can homeowners take to support local fireflies?