Why fireflies light up

Chapter 1

The chemistry of the glow

Chapter 2

The language of light

Chapter 3

The darker side of the glow

Chapter 4

Fireflies in our changing world

Ch 4 · Fireflies in our changing world
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hank Cherished summer traditions of hotaru-gari

Jul 30

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Quiz

What simple action can homeowners take to support local fireflies?

Jul 30

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Quiz

How long do fireflies typically live as underground larvae?

Jul 30

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Glow, Little Firefly
BETA

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

Jul 30

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hank How artificial light disrupts the glow

Jul 30

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How artificial light disrupts the glow

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

Jul 30

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Quiz

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

Jul 30

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Quiz

Which citizen science project tracks firefly populations in North America?

Jul 30

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hank Synchronous Fireflies

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

Jul 30

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hank The loss of damp breeding grounds

Jul 30

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The loss of damp breeding grounds

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

Jul 30

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Quiz

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

Jul 30

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Quiz

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

Jul 30

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Fun Fact

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

Jul 30

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hank Citizen science mapping the future

Jul 30

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Quiz

What is the primary food source for most firefly larvae?

Jul 30

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Quiz

Approximately how many species of fireflies exist across the globe?

Jul 30

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Gossip

Best way to help fireflies?

Jul 30