Vermont's Living Lanterns: A Firefly Discovery Evening at The Farm Upstream

  ✨ Firefly Night Event

 The Farm Upstream, 150 Lee River Road, Jericho, Vt. 
July 1, 8:30 pm  Free and open to all. 

“Glow & Wonder: Vermont Entomology Academy Firefly Discovery Evening sponsored by The Farm Upstream”

Experience the sparkle of summer nights! Learn about firefly communication, watch their bioluminescent displays, and enjoy guided twilight exploration with Vermont Center for EcoStudies Biologist Spencer Hardy and Vermont Entomology Naturalist Bernie Paquette.

The farm stand will be open in case anyone wants a cookie, drink, or spinach. 

ABOUT FIREFLIES

There are fifteen species known to be in Vermont. 

Fireflies are becoming rare largely due to rapid habitat loss, light pollution, pesticide use, and climate change. The reasons for their decline include:

Light Pollution

Habitat Destruction

Pesticides and Chemicals 

Climate Change

How You Can Help

You can support local firefly populations by keeping your outdoor lights off at night, allowing a corner of your yard to grow wild, leaving leaf litter for habitat, and avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides. To learn more about how to protect these insects, visit the Xerces Society for dedicated firefly conservation resources. https://xerces.org/blog/are-fireflies-going-extinct-here-are-six-ways-to-make-sure-they-survive.

Links to fireflies observed in Vermont. 

Taxon species names are hot links to the iNaturalist postings.

taxon_species_name	common_name	notes
Lucidota atra	Black Firefly	Day flyer, smaller light organs. Larvae are bioluminescent.
Lucidota punctata	Dotted Firefly	Only 3 on iNat for VT.
Photinus corruscus	Winter Firefly	Does not have a light
Photinus ignitus	Ignited Firefly	Only 6 on iNat for VT
Photinus indictus	Silent Firefly	Only 5 on iNat for VT, diurnal firefly, no lanterns, larvae are bioluminescent.
Photinus macdermotti	Mr. Mac	Only 2 on iNat for VT.
Photinus marginellus	Little Gray Firefly	Only 3 on iNat in VT
Photinus obscurellus	Murky Flash-train	Only 2 on iNat in VT
Photinus pyralis	Common Eastern Firefly	7 on iNat for VT, characteristic flight of the males, whose trajectory appears to follow a J-shape, lighting on the upswing.
Photinus sabulosus	Creekside Tree Blinkers
Photuris fairchildi	Cape Breton Firefly	Known to use aggressive mimicry to lure in and prey upon the males of other species of fireflies.
Pyractomena angulata	Say's Firefly	Pyractomena feed on snails.
Pyractomena borealis	Spring Treetop Flasher	Pyractomena feed on snails.
Pyractomena linearis	Marsh Gray Firefly	Pyractomena feed on snails. Threatened. Only 2 sightings on iNat.
Pyropyga nigricans	Dark Firefly	Light organs are feeble or nonfunctional. Courtship is initiated with pheromones.

Check out the larvae stage of a Spring Treetop Flasher, Pyractomena borealis

AI reports on Firefly Communication (Not the same process on every species).

Because there are nearly 2,000 species of fireflies, avoiding confusion in the dark is critical. They use three main methods of communication: 

• Bioluminescent Flash Codes (Visual): Most nocturnal species rely on a complex, visual "Morse code" emitted from organs in their abdomens. The male—usually flying—emits a pattern distinguished by specific colors (yellow, green, or orange), flash duration, and pauses. If a resting female of the same species recognizes the pattern, she flashes back with her own specific, delayed response. 
• Synchronized Flashing: Some species, like the Photinus carolinus in the eastern United States, synchronize their blinks with thousands of other fireflies in their area. This orchestrated "wave" ensures that females can easily recognize their own kind. 
• Chemical Pheromones (Scent): Not all fireflies glow. Diurnal (day-flying) "dark fireflies" lack light-producing organs. Instead, males track down hidden females by detecting species-specific pheromones in the air using their antennae. 

Bioluminescent Flashers: In most nocturnal North American species, males fly in a specific pattern emitting flashes. Stationary females watch and respond with their own specific flash pattern if they are interested. The two engage in a rhythmic dialogue until the male locates the female. ]

Synchronous Fireflies: Some rare species (like Photinus carolinus) synchronize their flashes as an entire swarm. Males flash in unison to create pulsing waves of light, which helps females easily spot and select a mate in dense forests. 

Continuous Glowers: Certain species don't flash at all; instead, the females emit a steady, continuous glow to attract flying males. 

Day-Flying Fireflies: Some species are active during the day (diurnal) and lack light organs as adults. These "dark fireflies" rely on invisible chemical pheromones detected by their antennae rather than visual light. 

Femme Fatales: Females of the predatory Photuris genus are famous for mimicking the flash patterns of other species. When a deceived male of a different species approaches, she eats him to gain defensive chemicals.

More About

Fireflies are not flies but actually beetles in the family Lampyridae

Fireflies produce light (bioluminescence) on the tip of the abdomen on the underside. Oxygen combines with a chemical called luciferin, producing luciferase. Not all fireflies can produce light, especially the smaller species. -  Insects of New England & New York, Tom Murray

"The glow is produced in a chemical reaction catalyzed by an enzyme, a remarkable process in which virtually no energy is lost as heat."

"Lampyrids have poisonous blood, exuding droplets from the base of their wing covers in defense."

- Field Guide to Insects of North America, Eric R. Eaton * Kenn Kaufman. 

Diet:  Firefly larvae eat snails, worms, and slugs, which they inject with a numbing chemical to disable. Adults eat other fireflies, nectar, or pollen, although some don’t eat at all.

    Larvae Diet: They are voracious predators, often called "glowworms," that feed on snails, slugs, and worms in moist areas.     Adult Diet: Adult fireflies often eat pollen and nectar, acting as pollinators.     Predatory Adults: Some adult females, particularly in the Photuris genus, lure and eat male fireflies of other species (like Photinus) to obtain defensive chemicals.    No Eating: Many adult fireflies do not eat at all, focusing solely on mating. 

Fireflies communicate primarily by using species-specific "flash patterns" or chemical scents to attract mates, avoid predators, and sometimes to deceive other species.

"Photuris are known to lure in male Photinus by mimicking their signal in order to consume the male to obtain his defensive chemicals." - Insects of New England & New York, Tom Murray.

Get an early view of all fireflies observed in Vermont at https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=47&taxon_id=47731&user_id=bugeyedbernie&verifiable=any

View those observed in Jericho at https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=55393&taxon_id=47731&verifiable=any

Read more about fireflies at https://xerces.org/endangered-species/fireflies/about

Read about their light and chemical production and more at VT ATLAS OF LIFE 

Read How to Build a Firefly Habitat

Ways you can help your backyard and street-side insects:

• Turn off outdoor lights in the evening. If you have the inside lights on, close the blinds
• Plant native plants
• Mow grass less frequently and raise the length of the cut to 4 inches
• When leaves drop in the fall, rake them if you want, but keep them in your yard
• Use non-pesticide solutions for insect control
• Know how much salt is necessary to de-ice sidewalks, and don’t overdo it
• Contact your city about reducing or finding alternatives to salt usage
• Watch insects closely, enjoy their presence as you learn about their bodies and behaviors
• Show others, particularly kids, how insects are interesting, not intimidating
• From Save the Fireflies (USFW)

"Explore Vermont’s Insect Life: 120 Amazing Photos by Bernie"

Photos by Bernie, Insects by Nature. 

Explore a mesmerizing array of insect photography, 100+ outstanding photos from the bizarre and ghastly to the unexpectedly beautiful. 

A visual journey through the strange, the haunting, and the sublime—where insects become art. An entomological exploration in images—documenting the astonishing diversity, morphology, and natural artistry of Earth's insect life. Check out a wild mix of insect photos—from weird and creepy to surprisingly beautiful, all captured like works of art.

Butterflies stand vertically in the sun to regulate their body temperature while preventing overheating. As cold-blooded insects, they rely on external heat to warm their flight muscles. By adjusting their angle to the sun, they control how much solar radiation their delicate bodies absorb. - BUTTERFLIES: WARMING UP, Hilaire Ashworth.

As John Muir said, "... I care to live only to entice people to look at Nature's loveliness. My own special self is nothing."

Who is the predator and who is the prey?

Vermont's millinery is creative and inclusive.

Can you guess what my favorite color is?

Maternity ward

Nature is art for the eyes that look.

Fly - by - night

Don't you just want to tickle her or his belly to watch all her or his legs shimey in glee?

The Redcoats are coming, the Redcoats are coming. 

Fusion in nature turns to silver.

This fellow climbed a stalk to go eye to eye with me.

Leprichans ride these hoppers like cowboys ride broncos.

YOU are a bee, I am a dragonfly, isn't that obvious?

Bee hitch-hiking a ride on the Dragonfly

Two's company, three's a crowd.

Honeymooners

Never should have told the sweat bee, 

"Don't sweat it, those robber flies couldn't catch a fly."

Mama has eyes on the TOP of her head, so you all had better behave. 

I say dear fellow, could you point me in the direction of a good flower stand?

The king lost his head.

Musical chairs down to one chair.

We love hugging

I feel fully deflated

Nature uses a fine artist's paintbrush.

Look, we only just met in a bar; I don't even know your name.

Look, ma, no hands.

Camaflouged poop

This grasshopper pooped as I took the photo. Looks like a Gherkin pickle.

Ol Blue Eyes

Freckles, you just cannot wash them off. I love them. 

Ready for take off; Up Up and away. 

If I don't win the beauty pageant this year, well, I don't know what I will do.

Who knows what is going on, on the other side of the world? 

Straws are best for Buttonbush. 

I have a 'back-up' heart.

Practicing for head-butting my brother.

"Mustacha'

Body Armour: best beetle barriers.

The army taught me to stay well polished.

I'm sorry, was this your flower?

Why do they call me a pink spotted beetle? My spots are black, I mean, really.

Wanna know why they call me Blister Beetle? One touch and you will find out.

Jimmy Durante had nothing on me.

With chompers like mine, well, let's just say that I use my massive mandibles to dismember my prey, covering the bug in digestive juices and sucking up the liquefied nutrients. It ain't pretty but it works for me.

Halloween is my favorite holiday. 

Tower to incoming, GO AROUND, repeat go around. 

Caterpillars with TEETH, oh my. 

Who needs radar when you have antennae like mine?

Fly Optician

\

Wolly Moth. Lives in Vermont, no wonder it is woolly.

I am so tired that I have not only circles under my eyes...  

I have circles all around my eyes.     

Paperhanger for the nursery.

On top of the world

but wish to remain anonymous

I have a strange feeling I am being followed. 

Now children go out and play, and give mama a few minutes to herself.

Dr. Spock I presume.

No worries, on my side of the family, we are all vegetarians. 

Cheshire Cat

If you are going to fly, fly happy.

Why didn't you tell me the fence paint was WET?

I keep my cards close to my vest.

The Perfect Landing

I am the judge, the jury, and your worst nightmare. 

This airport is so busy.

Short and stout like a green tea pot.

Dog pile: 

So much fun when you are on top; 

not so much when you are on the bottom. 

There is another world inhabited by intriguing life, no less complex, no less capable in the context of their world than we are in ours. They are bugs - insects, and they are as close as your backyard. 

Go Discover Them!