Fire flies: Nature’s Natural Light Show
FIREFLIES ARE THE STUFF of magic and faerie, at least in the minds of children (and more than a few grown-ups). They rule the midsummer night, dipping and dancing across backyards, parks, and meadows, keeping their lights on well into the small hours of the morning. Many a summer childhood memory involves an empty mayonnaise jar, a few holes nail-punched in its lid, and some hand-caught bits of starlight flashing inside.
About 2,000 species of fireflies exist worldwide, and nearly 150 of them live in North America. All have eggs, pupae, and larvae that glow, which is why the larvae are commonly called “glowworms.” While adult fireflies light
