Summertime Firefly Fun!

HURRY!!! Time is of the essence! You may want to have your own backyard firefly fun while “supplies” last because once summer starts to dwindle, these little friends pack up and hibernate for the winter. So in order to have a little summer fun with your friendly neighbor lightning bugs, ACT NOW! Here’s how…

If you were fortunate enough to grow up in an area populated with trees and grass and beautiful nature, then you’ve had the pleasure (or pain) of experiencing the variety of animals and insects that changing seasons brings. Mosquitoes, wasps, ants, gnats, did I say mosquitoes!? Fireflies are by far one of the most marvelous, unassuming creatures that we anticipate the arrival of every summer. It’s “lightning bug” season as we speak! The simple, harmless activities that their arrival bring can be so much fun in your home(school), too.

I know children (and moms) are not often fond of bugs. But for some reason, the lightning bugs are an exception to “my” rule (and ladybugs). Something about these little glowing friends seems harmless, even graceful as they light our paths in flight in early dusk. When invited to land on your hand, they simply crawl to the highest peak of your hand and attempt to gracefully return to wherever they were headed. If you’ve not taken a moment to spend a little summer time with your temporary, seasonal friends, please reconsider.

Just a few quick scientific facts about these unique insects include:

• They are members of the beetle family
• The “chemically produced light” from the lower abdomen can be yellow, green, or pale red
• They hibernate during winter and emerge in the spring
• Most species have the ability to fly, but a few species have females that are flightless
• Both adults and larva are capable of glowing and even their eggs glow!

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If you or your children haven’t experienced the fun in catching fireflies in the early eve of a sweet summer night, consider these below as you plan your "Firefly Festival".

1. Pre-ventilate a glass jar with holes in the lid or foil.
2. Set a timer for 5 minutes.
3. Count how many each of you can collect (individually and/or collectively).
4. After the time is set… Ready. Set. Go! The race is on!
5. Place each glow-friend in the jar, temporarily (until you return indoors).
6. After time is up, gather around to count the winner(s).
7. Observe up-close how the little buddies look and glow.
8. When you’re done, release them back outside to find their way home for the night.
9. Tomorrow, you could always color or draw your experience.
10. ​You could also repeat these steps several summer evenings until our friends have moved on.

​Just like that, you have all...

• Enjoyed each other together on a beautiful summer evening
• Engaged in a bit of fun and exercise
• Experienced outdoor evening air
• Exchanged caring attention between friends
• Elevated your observation skills, up-close and personal

Not bad for a nice summer evening, right? After all, summer months only last so long anyway. Why not enjoy them (summer days AND summer friends) while they’re among us? Soon, it will be back to the books and back to business.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our little firefly “experiment” enough to engage in the fun, too. Be sure to leave a comment below in the comments section and let us know what you think about engaging in a firefly fest.

As always, friend and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Enjoy! :)

When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.
Henry Ford

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Here are three other fun activities you may enjoy more in the summertime.

• "Six (6) Reasons to Explore Your Welcome Center" (see video here)
• "Twelve (12) Exciting Ways to Explore Your Airport" (see video here)
• "Seven (7) Easy-to-Follow Steps for Creating Your Backyard Stone Blocks"