Understanding the Mystical Glow of Fireflies
If you have ever wandered down a dirt road through the hills in Tennessee or along a lake in Minnesota on a summer night, you should be familiar with fireflies. You may know them as fireflies, lightning bugs, sparklers, candle flies, or lantern flies. Prime firefly insect season starts in May and runs through September. Read further to find out the benefits of fireflies and what makes fireflies glow, along with other related insects.
What Makes Fireflies Glow
Hopefully you had a childhood that consisted of chasing fireflies in the tall grass on summer evenings. If you were fast and lucky enough to catch one in a classic mason jar, you would see a creature far different from what they appear as blinking lights. The elongated beetles have a colorful pronotum, and they likely stopped bioluminescent the moment you caught them.
The Science Behind Firefly Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence in the wild is getting more and more attention. Scientists are interested in understanding the evolutionary advantage this trait provides and why it appears in so many different creatures. Special organs produce Firefly bioluminescence in their abdomens. It is produced by combining luciferase enzymes, luciferin chemical, oxygen, and ATP. The most likely method of controlling the glow is altering the oxygen input in the equation.
The reason behind the flash is to indicate their species and find mating partners. Particular flash patterns will differentiate between males and females, as well as different species. If you flash any kind of light in the presence of fireflies, they may alter their flash pattern or stop flashing altogether.
The Ecological Role of Fireflies and Why They Matter
Eco-friendly pest control companies like Rove Pest Control understand that fireflies are beneficial insects to have around. These lovely beetles pollinate native plants, flowers, grasses, and shrubs. They help healthy, robust plant arrays thrive and expand. And of course, they are like living holiday lights brightening those warm summer nights. They have an important ecological role, and they also provide a small amount of magic to everyday life.
How to Attract Fireflies to Your Garden
Fireflies look for nectar, pollen, and shelter. They are more likely to be found in overgrown areas that provide adequate shelter than in sparse plant arrangements. It is helpful to have a nearby water source, such as a pond or marshy area.
Specific plants that attract fireflies include:
- Grasses – indiangrass river oats, switchgrass
- Shrubs like buttonbush
- Wildflowers – asters, boneset, goldenrod
- Trees such as pine or other trees that fireflies can rest in and find shade under
- Ground covers such as moss
Beyond planting the right plants, how do you attract fireflies? It helps to minimize or eliminate outdoor lighting. It may also be helpful to establish a woodpile or brush pile that will have a moist and dark area for fireflies to lay eggs.
Glow-Worm vs Firefly: What’s the Difference?
While glowworms and fireflies are part of the same family, they are different species altogether. The common name Glowworm covers various bioluminescent beetle larvae, such as the common glowworm and members of the Lampyridae family. In common speak, if you are wondering about the terms glow-worm vs firefly, just pick your favorite. Both are correct enough.
Work with Rove for Eco-Friendly Pest Control
When Rove Pest Control manages your pest needs, nature’s beauties are protected. Reach out to Rove to keep the nasty pests out while still being able to watch the firefly glow around your property. The key is minimizing the use of pesticides and herbicides. Having a thoughtful pest management program will target pests as specifically as possible.