Fabulous Fireflies

The Strawberry Moon visible in the night sky has absolutely sensational, lighting the landscape making objects appear lovely and luminous. Our days may have become exceptionally hot but we are allowed compensation by our nights, which are something marvelous to behold. Besides allowing us to move about without the overhead heat, the night emerges with a singular life unto itself. If we venture out after twilight, one may enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds which belong only to the summer night. The melodic song of the Cicada, which sings when the temperature is about ninety, dies down as the evening cooling begins with dusk. Suddenly the fireflies appear, magically twinkling and lighting the darkness.


The firefly is a type of flying beetle that glows in the dark with tiny sparks of white fire. This wonderful insect appears in summer and only warm climates. Their abdomens contain five chemicals adenosine, triphosphate, luciferin, oxygen, magnesium, and luciferase which are bound by a chemical controller. As nerve stimulations release another chemical, inorganic pyrophosphate, the bond breaks and the reaction creates the light. Seconds later the light diminishes as another chemical destroys the combination. Since fireflies are one of the few insects that use vision to find a mate… male fireflies are drawn to true love by following the ladies flashing light.

Although they exist all over the world, many fireflies do not have wings. In Europe the female is called the glowworm because she simply sits in iridescent splendor. In Cuba, the beetle is rather large and has been used for centuries as a decoration. Women attach the beetle to their gowns or place one on a special golden chain as an ornament… and who wouldn‘t want such an interesting brooch.

An entire cave is dripping with glowing light in New Zealand and in dense tropical forests it is customary to attach the glowing beetles to the tops of boots to light the path for nighttime walks. In other places, the beetles are placed en mass in jars and give a continuous, though wavering light.

Summer is the time to remember childhood joys and share them with the new generation. From searching for cicada shells to store in a box under the bed or catching fireflies to hold in a glowing jar, childhood has a magical and memorable allure which may only be enjoyed on summer evenings. *Remember to release the fireflies after enjoying their light a bit.*

Photo credit: Catherine Dougherty

Video of Firefly love:   https://www.facebook.com/catherine.dougherty/videos/10153270888380733/?l=7794404252337885630