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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: [email protected] Dr. JC Chong email: [email protected] Dr. Roy Pargas email: [email protected] Dr. Michelle Cook [email protected] Dr. David White [email protected]
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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/