The firefly, also known as the lightning bug, is actually neither a fly nor a bug, but a beetle, say Purdue entomologists. This particular firefly is called Say’s firefly (Pyractomena angulata), one of about 175 species of fireflies in the United States. (Scientific illustration by Arwin Provonsha, Purdue Department of Entomology.)
Color photo, electronic transmission, and Web and ftp download available. Photo ID: Turpin.fireflies.
Over 40 varieties of fireflies have been seen in Indiana. And while most folks will simply recognize all fireflies as a state insect, Purdue University entomologists distinguished several characteristics that set Say’s Firefly apart for the sticklers:
First sighted: Say’s Firefly is one of the earliest emerging fireflies in our area and may be seen from early May through mid-July.
Home/Range: They occur primarily around wetlands and in wooded areas adjacent to them. Though you may sometimes see dozens at once, usually you will see only one or two males at a time as they meander silently around high foliage.
Identifying behavior: The flash is amber in color and is in the form of a rapid flicker composed of 8-12 rapid pulses (like watching an old time movie) and lasts for approximately 1 second with a 2-4 second delay between flashes.
Be sure to check out these related stories:
- Carrying a Torch: Students continue credible quest to have firefly named state insect
- When it comes to an insect, Indiana draws a ‘blaaaaaaank’
- Proposed insect named for famed New Harmony naturalist
- Harnessing the power of the lightning bug
- This firefly shines light on safety
- Waxing poetic in the firefly’s glow
- Create your own mascot; maybe win a plush Louie the Lightning Bug!
Be sure to check out these websites for more information about fireflies:
