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Firefly
Lampyridae
29.4205, -98.4595
Field Notes
Description:
This is a soft bodied beetle. This particular firefly was winged. Wings were black and head was an orange/brown color with some yellow. It had black antennae and black legs. Fireflies have a light organ under their abdomens. The light is created by a chemical reaction within this organ. The light serves as a defense mechanism as well as a way to attract a mate!
Habitat:
Fireflies thrive in moist environments but can also be found in more temperate climates. Fireflies can be found in marshes and wet forested areas. Found throughout the U.S., North and South America, Europe, and Asia.
Notes:
A student with a keen eye spotted this guy on one of the playscapes on our playground. It was cool for the kids to see a real firefly during the day!
Fun Facts:The light of a firefly can be green, yellow, or orange. Larvae are carnivorous and inject their prey with a numbing fluid before eating! Adults feed off of pollen and nectar. Some adult fireflies do not eat. They produce the most efficient light in the world which creates very little heat!
*** Fireflies are on the DECLINE due to light pollution and the destruction of habitat. Firefly eggs and larvae exist underground. Fireflies do not migrate. Human expanse has a direct effect on their populations.
Ref: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/14-fun-facts-about-firefl…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firefly
https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/fireflies-12-things-y…
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/group/fireflie…
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