When to Spot Fireflies Across the Year
A month-by-month guide to firefly seasons around the globe and how to spot them safely.
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.
Philippine Fireflies and Their River Homes
Learn how river communities in the Philippines protect glowing alitaptap in mangrove trees and why reporting these sightings helps science.
Firefly Names and Stories Across the Globe
Learn how different languages and cultures name and picture fireflies, from Tagalog alitaptap to glowing beetles across Europe and Asia.
What Makes a Firefly Record Helpful to Science?
Learn how exact locations, clear photos, and habitat notes turn your backyard firefly sightings into useful research data.
August Fireflies Around the World Right Now
Here is where fireflies are glowing across the globe this August, and how you can spot them near your home tonight.
How Lawn Bug Sprays Harm Fireflies and How You Can Help
Yard chemical sprays harm young fireflies underground. Learn how simple lawn habits can save them.
How Firefly Larvae Hunt Snails in the Dark
Before fireflies fly in the summer sky, they live in damp dirt as fierce hunters that eat snails and glow to warn away predators.
The Glowing Forest of Elkmont: Tennessee's Synchronous Fireflies
Discover the story of Elkmont in the Smoky Mountains, where thousands of fireflies flash together in complete darkness every spring.
Late Summer Firefly Guide: Finding Flashes in Neighborhood Spaces
Discover which fireflies are glowing in town parks and yards this August, and learn how to spot them safely.
Spotting the European Glow-Worm: The Firefly That Does Not Flash
Learn how female European glow-worms shine without flashing and what their steady lights tell us about habitat health.
Why Dark Skies Help Fireflies and Stars Together
Discover how dark sky efforts protect starry nights and help fireflies find each other in your backyard.
How to Watch and Photograph Fireflies Without Scaring Them
Learn how red light, dark adaptation, and simple camera tricks help you watch fireflies without disturbing their night displays.