Happy summer everyone! I thought I would do a fun fact sheet type of entry this time around.
Here are some facts about Lampyridae. Enjoy!!1. Lampyridae is the scientific name for what's commonly known as lightning bugs or fireflies.
2. There are about 2,000 species of lightning bugs. Not all of the species have the ability to light up.
3. They are nocturnal beetles.
4. Lightning bugs hibernate over winter, burrowing underground or under the bark of a tree. This is done during their larvae stage.
5. Lightning bugs have a light-emitting organ in their lower abdomen. The process they use to light up is called bioluminescence.
6. Each species have their own specific color ranging from yellow, orange, light red, green or blue. (I've only seen lightning bugs light up yellow.)
7. The larvae eat larvae of slugs and snails. Adults eat nectar and plant pollen.
8. Male lightning bugs will use their flash to attract females. Each species has its own pattern of flashing or lighting up.
9. The West Coast does have lightning bugs, the species they have do not light up.
10. The light created by a lightning bug is the most efficient light made.
11. During the day, lightning bugs spend their time on the ground in tall grass.
11. During the day, lightning bugs spend their time on the ground in tall grass.
Lightning bug populations are declining Worldwide. Some of those causes are loss of habit, pesticides and weed killers. When their habitat is destroyed, unfortunately they don't migrate to a new area. They just disappear!
Since I was a little girl, I've been fascinated with lightning bugs. I used to go outside and catch them and put them in a bug box. I would release them back into nature either that same night or a day or two later. As an adult I still look forward to the beginning of summer and catching a first glimpse of these beauties as they emerge for the first time.
Since I was a little girl, I've been fascinated with lightning bugs. I used to go outside and catch them and put them in a bug box. I would release them back into nature either that same night or a day or two later. As an adult I still look forward to the beginning of summer and catching a first glimpse of these beauties as they emerge for the first time.
Here are some photographs I captured with my iPhone and a beautiful lightning bug model from my front yard.
I hope you have enjoyed this entry and are having a great summer!
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| CLOSE UP OF THE WINGS |
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| BLURRY NIGHT TIME GLOW |
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| DAYTIME SIGHTING ON MY DOG'S BACK |
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