Firefly Basics: • There are 2,000 species of

fireflies in the world, about 170 species in the U.S.A.

Common Name: Firefly, Lightning Bug Family Name: Lampyridae

Firefly Counter  

Field Guide

Did you know? • Fireflies are actually beetles. • A baby firefly is called a

glowworm because it doesn’t blink but rather glows continuously.

• Adult fireflies live for 2 weeks to 2 months; they die after laying eggs.

• Fireflies eat small insects and snails.

• Fireflies secrete a distasteful liquid from their bodies to deter predators.

http://www.clemson.edu/public/rec/baruch/firefly_project/

The  Vanishing  Firefly  Project  and  Firefly  Counter  app  are  funded  by  U.S.  Environmental  Protection  Agency  (SU835496)  and  Clemson  University  

Creative  Inquiry  

Photo credits: All photos were purchased through Shutter Stock.

Contact  Information:  Dr.  Alex  Chow    email:  achow@clemson.edu  Dr.  JC  Chong  email:  juanghc@clemson.edu  Dr.  Roy  Pargas  email:  pargas@clemson.edu  Dr.  Michelle  Cook  mcook@clemson.edu  Dr.  David  White  whitedl@clemson.edu  

 

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Each  flash  lasts  only  a  fraction  of  a  second.  

A  firefly  flashes:  

• To  communicate  with  other  fireflies    

• To  scare  away  predators  

• To  attract  a  mate  

• To  warn  each  other  of  danger  

• To  attract,  kill,  and  eat  another  species    

Firefly Species Identification When you’re out observing fireflies, try to identify what flash patterns your firefly is making!

When should I count?

• Fireflies can be found in large numbers around shallow freshwater bodies, such as streams, ponds, and rivers.

• Fireflies like moist environments such as meadows, lawns, and at the edges of woods.  

Tips for Counting: I find fireflies? Facts about

Firefly Flashes: I find fireflies?

Photinus pyralis  J shaped flash pattern, which is the most common type

Photinus brimley  Single flash every 3-8 seconds

Photinus consimilis Double flash every 5 seconds

Photinus collustrans Three or more flashes within 2-3 seconds

Where can I find fireflies?

• At night - Fireflies are nocturnal and most active at dawn-dusk.

• In the summer - especially late April to late July.

• After rain - Fireflies won’t be out if it’s raining, but they do come out after light rains.

Why am I counting fireflies? • Scientists at Clemson

University are trying to determine the health of the firefly population in SC.

• Because they cannot survey all areas at the same time, you are asked to help count the fireflies in your area.

Step  Two:    Holding  the  circle  up  to  your  eye,  look  through  the  circle.  

Step  Three:  Set  the  timer  for  1  minute.  

Step  One:  Make  a  circle  with  your  hand.    

Step  Four:  As  soon  as  the  timer  has  started,  count  the  number  of  fireflies  you  see  through  your  circle.  Remember,  you  don’t  need  to  count  the  number  of  flashes  and  you  shouldn’t  count  fireflies  outside  of  your  circle.  *If  you  see  fireflies  but  they  are  outside  of  your  circle,  please  record  “positive  observation  but  zero  count.”  

Step  Five:  Send  your  data  to  us  using  the  free  mobile  app  ‘Firefly  Counter’  or  the  website,  http://www.clemson.edu/public/red/baruch/firefly_project/