Want to see more fireflies? Start in your own backyard. Helping fireflies—also known as lightning bugs—starts with how we care for our landscapes. From reducing light pollution to ditching pesticides, small changes at home can help these glowing insects thrive.
I have fond memories of summer nights spent chasing fireflies in my backyard, cupping them gently in my hands before securing them in a bug catcher fashioned from an old mason jar. Fireflies, or lightning bugs if you’re a Midwesterner, were one of the few bugs I could tolerate in my girlhood, along with a shortlist of other insects like butterflies. Sadly, it was on sight for most any other six- or eight-legged critter unfortunate enough to cross my path. I’m happy to report that I’ve long since changed my ways and spend more time these days curiously chasing bugs than running from them in fear. And my love of fireflies, in particular, has grown increasingly brighter over the years.
I’ve always been fascinated by the gentle glow of fireflies in my backyard. But it was in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains where my love for fireflies really began to blossom a few years ago. Seeing thousands of synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) pulsing in unison, like twinkling stars drifting just above the forest floor, was nothing short of a spiritual experience, and one that I sincerely wish everyone had the opportunity to witness.
Unfortunately, firefly populations are dwindling, and if we don’t act now, future generations may never get to experience that magic for themselves.
Firefly Biology
Despite their common colloquial names—including fireflies and lightning bugs—fireflies are neither flies nor true bugs. Fireflies are beetles in the family Lampyridae, and like all beetles they undergo complete metamorphosis, developing through four life stages including egg, larva, pupa, and adult. These showy insects spend the majority of their lives in larval form, voraciously feeding on soft-bodied invertebrates in the soil and leaf litter including worms, snails, and slugs (which makes them great beneficial bugs for the garden).
You can expect to see adult fireflies beginning to emerge in early summer and persisting throughout the summer months, though regional weather and temperature patterns affect emergence. Female fireflies lay eggs in mid-summer. Eggs hatch during late summer after about three weeks, and larvae generally persist until the following spring, though some species of fireflies spend up to two seasons as larvae before pupating and emerging as adults in their second spring. Adult fireflies generally live for 3-4 weeks, just long enough to mate and lay eggs.
While all larval forms of fireflies glow, only the adults of some species emit light. This process of producing light is called bioluminescence and serves different functions depending on the insect’s life stage. In larvae, bioluminescence is believed to ward off predators by offering a clue to one’s toxicity. In adults, glowing and flashing are usually methods of attracting a mate.
Types of Fireflies
There are three types of insects we generally refer to as fireflies. Daytime dark or diurnal fireflies are active during the daytime. Most diurnal species do not glow, but some species that inhabit shadowy areas might produce light. Glow-worms can refer to the glowing larval forms of all species of fireflies or the flightless, glowing adult females of some species. Finally, we have our flashing fireflies which represent our most familiar nocturnal species of fireflies that emit short, bright flashes of light during evening and nighttime hours.
Fireflies live in tropical and temperate regions of every continent expect Antarctica. In the U.S., fireflies thrive in warm, humid environments like wooded areas, marshes, and fields near ponds, rivers, and streams. While fireflies occur in all lower forty-eight states in the U.S., many of the western species are diurnal, which means they are active during the day and communicate with pheromones rather than flashing lights.
Altogether, there are over 2,000 species of fireflies in the world, with more than 160 species documented in the United States. And each boasts a unique flash pattern, sort of like a Morse code of the insect world. For example:
The common backyard firefly known at big dippers (Photinus pyralis) create a distinct J-shaped flash pattern as they dip through the air while flashing.
Blue ghost fireflies (Phausis reticulata) emit a continuous, eerie blue-green glow for up to 40 seconds, rather than the blinking flashes of other species.
Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) put on dazzling displays, Flashing six to twelve times before going dark all at once, the synchrony of the insects is not in their individual flashes, but rather in their coordinated period of darkness between flashing. All at once, the forest begins to sparkle with tiny lights. After a few moments, all is dark again before the pattern repeats—on again, off again—for several hours until the forest finally gives way to darkness
Female fireflies in the genus Photuris are called femme fatales for their habitat of imitating the flash patterns of other firefly species, luring male Photinus species to their unfortunate demise (hey, a girl’s gotta eat!).
Why Fireflies Are Disappearing?
Sadly, firefly populations in North America have been declining for years. While it’s difficult to pinpoint one singular cause, scientists have identified a few major culprits. As more land is developed and natural areas are replaced with lawns, fireflies lose the moisture-rich environments they depend on. Additionally, as we move away from wild, diverse landscapes to more manicured, predictable ones, we’re removing the places where fireflies thrive.
Light pollution also plays a critical role. As cities grow, bright streetlights and other artificial lights can disrupt the firefly’s natural mating rituals. Their glow can easily get lost in the glare, making it harder for them to find a mate and reproduce. And pesticides—especially those used in home lawn care—are another threat. These chemicals can kill not only firefly larvae and adults, but also the soil-dwelling invertebrates they rely on for food. All these interconnected problems mean that our small, beloved backyard bugs are in trouble.
The good news? We can help reverse these trends starting right in our own backyards.
According to firefly experts, the most pressing threats to fireflies are habitat loss, light pollution, and pesticide use. Thankfully, catching and releasing fireflies in your backyard or garden will not significantly alter firefly populations so long as we approach the activity with care. Wild-caught fireflies should always be handled gently and released back into the wild to help local populations thrive. If using a jar or bug catcher to collect, proper ventilation should be provided.
How to Help Fireflies at Home
If we want fireflies to stick around, we’ve got to make sure our yards and neighborhoods actually support them. That doesn’t mean you need to turn your lawn into a jungle or rewild the whole block—but it does mean rethinking a few common habits. A handful of simple, thoughtful changes can go a long way in giving fireflies the habitat and resources they need to shine one.
Reduce Light Pollution
If you want to keep fireflies shining brightly in your garden, one of the simplest steps is to reduce light pollution. Fireflies rely on their natural glow to communicate, and outdoor lighting can drown out their signals. Use motion-sensing lights and dim, warm lights around your garden to create an environment where fireflies can thrive. Don’t let artificial lights dim your outlook—keep it natural, and you’ll see more of their magic at night.
Create Moist, Wild Spaces
Fireflies love moist environments, especially near water. If you have a pond, rain garden, or damp area in your yard, you’re already ahead of the game! Let some areas of your garden stay wild and natural, with fallen leaves, damp soil, and some shade. These spaces are perfect for fireflies to find food, shelter, and the moisture they need to grow.
Adopt a No Mow or Low Mow Routine
Consider adopting a no-mow or low-mow routine for at least part of your yard to give fireflies a fighting chance. Many species spend most of their adult lives in tall grasses and other vegetation, where they find shelter, humidity, and prime spots for courtship displays. Frequent mowing disrupts these habitats and can wipe out fireflies before they even get the chance to light up the night. Letting an area of your yard grow wild—even if it’s just a small patch—can provide essential cover for fireflies and other beneficial insects.
Say No to Pesticides
Pesticides can be deadly for fireflies and other beneficial insects. Instead of using harmful chemicals, try natural alternatives or encourage natural pest control through planting a diverse range of native plants. The more diverse and healthier your garden, the better it will be for fireflies and all of the critters that depend on it.
Plant Native Plants
Native plants are the foundation of healthy ecosystems. Plant native trees that have dense foliage to create shadier spots in your landscape. Native pines in particular are a great choice as they not only provide dense overstory shade, but their fallen needles help retain moisture in the ground which is perfect for firefly larvae.
Join Community Efforts
While individual actions are powerful, fireflies need healthy, connected ecosystems to really thrive. Join local conservation efforts and support programs that aim to protect natural habitats, reduce light pollution, and promote sustainable landscaping practices. Consider hosting a neighborhood “lights out for fireflies” event or participate in citizen science projects that track firefly populations, like Firefly Watch.
Let the Light Live On
We don’t need to wait for sweeping legislation or major conservation campaigns to start helping fireflies—we can begin at home. Every habitat we create, every porch light we dim, every patch of grass we let grow a little longer adds up. And when enough of us begin making small changes, we spark something bigger. The future of fireflies depends on it—and so does the wonder they bring to our summer nights.