A special part of summer is the sudden, floating glow of a firefly. Wait, are they “fireflies” or “lightning bugs”? Both common names are used to describe the same insect family and both are misleading. These glowing, six-legged creatures are beetles, not flies or bugs.

I like to call them by their scientific name: Lampyridae (I usually emphasis the “LAMP”). Not only is this name more accurate, but its Greek root means “shine” or “torch.” These beetles rest during the day and fly at night in a glowing ritual to attract a mate – creating the magical show we enjoy as both children and adults! Not only are they beautiful, but they are beneficial as well. The Lampyridae larvae are carnivorous: feeding on insects that are pests to our gardens and crops.

This summer, the Urban Ecology Center is partnering with the Milwaukee Public Museum for a joint firefly monitoring project. Join us for our Firefly Monitoring Kickoff Celebration on June 28, or our July and August Firefly Monitoring outings in Riverside Park.

Let's take some time this summer to get out into nature and look for its lights!

Main text originally from "Summer Lights", June 2017