When Streetlights Drown Out the Glow
Streetlights and bright porch bulbs make it hard for fireflies to signal each other in the dark.
Field notes
Firefly stories
Short, plain-language stories about fireflies — the species people are spotting, where to see them, why they glow, and what helps them survive.
Red Light and Quiet Steps
Learn how to watch and film fireflies gently without ruining their night glow.
Spotting Real Firefly Glows on Film
Learn how filmmakers capture real firefly light on camera and how to tell genuine glowing insects from digital special effects.
Alitaptap Is Now Featured on SciStarter
SciStarter, a home for thousands of volunteer science projects, now features Alitaptap on its front page. Here is what SciStarter is, and why it matters for fireflies.
When Fireflies Sing in the Dark
Discover how fireflies light up old folk songs, lullabies, and stories around the world, from Japan to the Philippines.
When Fireflies Gather Across the Globe
Discover how firefly seasons change around the world and what different months bring to habitats in both hemispheres.
Mapping Philippine Fireflies
Discover how local names, river tours, and citizen science map the fireflies of the Philippines.
What Names Tell Us About Fireflies
Discover how different languages and cultures name fireflies, from the Tagalog alitaptap to glowing insects around the globe.
September Fireflies Around the World
Discover which firefly species are glowing right now in September across North America, Europe, and Asia.
When Paved Roads Take Firefly Homes
Concrete and buildings replace damp fields where fireflies live, but you can help protect their spaces.
How Firefly Bodies Make Cold Light
Discover the chemical trick that lets fireflies glow without getting hot.
Night Walks in North Carolina
Join a night walk in North Carolina to spot Common Eastern Fireflies glowing along neighborhood paths and garden beds.