Feature Article July 24, 2002
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Evening MagicIs it magic? Are my eyes playing tricks? What are those twinkling little lights over the fields and marshes? It is one of Mother Natures ways of bringing enchantment to a child, to awaken a childs interest in nature, and to fascinate us all. Lightning bugs or fireflies come out on warm early summer evenings, sending their signals to light up the summer night. How many of us as a child have not captured some in a jar to watch the display? Actually fireflies are slender, striped beetles that use a combination of oxygen and two chemicals to produce flashes of light. The primary purpose of the flash of light is to signal to a prospective mate, but - how unromantic - it may also be used to attract another, which will be eaten. It also serves as a warning of danger to other fireflies, or to birds and other insects that: Im not good to eat!. The chemicals are very bitter.There are almost 200 species of fireflies in North America, and each kind has its own special signal. One that is common in eastern North America is the Big Dipper Firefly, whose special signal is given by the male in the form of a J stroke, produced by the insect rising suddenly during the flash. The flash lasts about a half second, and he will fly a short way and repeat it. Meanwhile the females are perched on tall grasses, and one will respond with a half second flash of her own. This Im available message is quickly answered, and the two will signal back and forth until they connect and mate. He, unromantic chap that he is, will then resume his love journey, looking for another female. The female will stop her signaling, and a few days later lay around 100 eggs just under the soil, or glued to the underside of a leaf. In about three or four weeks, slightly luminescent larvae emerge, and feed on slugs, snails or other soft-bodied insects - good friends for your garden. They overwinter buried in the ground, and in another year or so, will build a protective mud hut and change into a pupa. About 10 days later, the adults emerge, and the twinkling lights will again be going about their amorous journeys.
Life can be dangerous for the firefly - besides being caught in a jar - as spiders, toads, and frogs seem to be tolerant of the bad taste of the chemicals. And life is short for the adults once they have accomplished the task of mating. If you do catch them, it would take 25,000 flashing in unison to equal the brightness of a 60-watt bulb. Have compassion on them and release them within a couple of hours, or they will dehydrate and die. Seeing them flying over the lawn or fields is a magical sight - enjoy it and let them live, procreate, and provide the same magic next year!Sightings - Several Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, both adults and immature, and Purple Finches, also with immatures, are keeping my feeder empty! What do you have coming to yours? Call me at 268-2518.
