Chips on a Sandwich | no. 4 | FIRE IN THE SKY
Here’s your weekly offering of bits of joy. Crunch, crunch.
GLOWING, GLOWING GONE: I remember July summer nights in Ohio where the ambient temperature was so perfect it was neither a touch warm nor chilly. And the air was filled with floating lights. Contrary to their name fireflies (or lightning bugs) are not flies– they’re beetles. And they’re in trouble. Maybe it’s light pollution or the destruction of natural habitat but our fiery friends are dwindling in numbers. Researchers from Mass Audubon and Tufts University are asking for help: it only takes 10 minutes each week during firefly season. Find out more about Firefly Watch and become a citizen scientist.
FIREFLIES IN SYNC: The Great Smoky Mountain National Park has a secret: there’s a lottery event each year to win a spot to watch the wondrous phenomenon of synchronous fireflies. That’s when males and females use their bioluminescence to flirt with each other during mating season. Photinus carolinus are the only species in America that can sync up their flashing patterns. Look out for the lottery to reopen in 2021.
MAKE YOUR YARD FIREFLY FRIENDLY: Lightning bugs are nocturnal and love the dark. The glow from your home, porch light or flashlight is a big turnoff. Try turning out the light and leaving sections of grass in your yard a bit longer– they love that.
BUGS-IN-A-BULB: Here’s a quirky print for lightning bug lovers:
Eco-Friendly Bulb Art Print by Haleybubley | Society6
Buy Eco-Friendly Bulb Art Print by Haleybubley. Worldwide shipping available at Society6.com. Just one of millions of high quality products available.
POLL: What do you call them– Fireflies or Lightning Bugs? (Last week’s poll revealed serious click over cap pen preference.)