More About Fireflies

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I found out some more information about fireflies: * There are around 2,000 known firefly species worldwide, with between 120 and 200 in North America. * The difference in the firefly exhibiting what is called bioluminescence(or the ability to produce light) in larvae and adult stages is this: there are contrasting roles in both. They warn predators in the larvae and attract mates in adults. * There are several species that don't light up at all and are day fliers. They use odors of pheromones to find each other. * Fireflies are on the decline. Street lights and those from buildings make it hard for them to signal mates. * Some species of firefly larvae have gills and are aquatic, while others live in trees. * Instruct your kids, as well as punching holes in the lid, to put a piece of washed apple and a bit of grass in the bottom of the jar used to house the fireflies. Each day open the jar and blow air across the opening. This keeps fresh air in the jar. This will help them stay alive longer. The dry jar with out these only lets them live about a day or so.