I was out last night and saw my first firefly of the season!  I love this time of year.  Even as an adult I’m swept away by the magic of fireflies.  Let’s try to get as many kids as possible out to see this summer’s fireflies.

Where to find them:  You’re most likely to find fireflies near ponds, streams or wooded areas.

What to do once you find them:  Lightening bugs can entertain children (and parents) for hours.  Before you just catch them ask your kids:  Can you count the fireflies? Which firefly is biggest? What are they saying with their flashing?  If you hold still will they land on you and light up?  Can you keep your eye on one bug while it’s flasher is on and off?

Be a good observer:  In many areas of the world firefly populations are in decline due to habitat loss.  So, when you’re out observing and chasing the fireflies, please try not to squish them.  It is great fun to capture lightening bugs and watch them up close.  But, remember to let them go before going inside.

Here are 5 fun firefly facts to share with your kids while observing fireflies!

  1. Fireflies light up to communicate.  They flash in order to defend their territory, warn other fireflies about danger, and even try to attract a mate.
  2. Lightening bugs light up because of a chemical reaction called bioluminescence.
  3. Fireflies hibernate during winter in the larval stage by burrowing underground, in trees or logs.
  4. Lightening bugs don’t taste very good to predators.  They contain a chemical that tastes bitter and may even be poisonous to some creatures.  (So do not feed fireflies to lizards, toads or other pets.)
  5. In Japan they have a firefly festival each year to honor these light producing creatures.  More than 10,000 people attend this festival!

Ask the kids to create a game or event that could be played at the your Family Firefly Festival.