Firefly Watch

Oh, this firefly! -- seen by daylight, the nape of its neck is red!                    
 (Basho, translated by Lafcadio Hearn)

If you think there are fewer fireflies flashing nowadays than when you were a kid, it might not be just the haze of nostalgia, but the haze of pesticide. 


How does pesticide application affect firefly populations? What about weed killers and fertilizers? Those are just a couple of the questions the scientists behind Firefly Watch are seeking citizen-scientist volunteers to help them answer. 


Scientists from Tufts University, Fitchburg State College, and the Museum of Science in Boston have teamed up to map the geographic distribution of fireflies and find out more about how firefly activity is affected by environmental factors such as lawn care, human-made light, and water sources. 


All you need to participate is a patch of greenery and an internet connection: just pick your spot, observe it weekly, and use the online data sheet to report your findings. You might want to print out the data sheet to keep track of your observations in the field.


So, what should you look for? Depending on where in the world you are, the fireflies' flash pattern and color will vary. Some blink, some flicker, some swoop up with a J-shaped flourish. You might wonder if all this pyrotechnic prowess serves a purpose. Like other flashy creatures, fireflies are looking for mates. And, like other creatures looking for mates, they need to beware of deception.


Even the firefly world has its femmes fatales -- some females of the 

Photo: Cornell University

genus Photuris have become adept at imitating the flash patterns of female Photinus fireflies. When the amorous male Photinus 
approaches, the Photuris female pounces on him and devours him with gusto. 

So if you want to help scientists understand these creatures of the night -- and perhaps witness a small-scale soap opera -- sign up for Firefly Watch!