Firefly Season is Here - How to Attract the Sparkles to Your Backyard

The peak of firefly season is upon us. When and where can you catch these sparkling lights of summer? Here is what you need to know.

When and Where to Expect Fireflies to Appear

If you live in the central and eastern portions of the country, you may have already caught a glimpse of fireflies lighting up the night skies. The arrival of the distinctive glow of fireflies is a hallmark of the summer season. However, the timing of these critters is heavily influenced by location, habitat, weather, and species.

A map built by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility notes the expected timing of the Big Dipper Firefly. Known in scientific terms as Photinus pyralis, this species is most common in June, July, and August in the central and eastern U.S. Because it is the most common species of fireflies in the U.S., it is a good barometer to lean on when comparing the start and peak of the season throughout different parts of the country.

The timing of fireflies can vary greatly by season. Richard Joyce, a conservation biologist with the Xerces Society, said that the Big Dipper Firefly is a good species to track because it is the most widespread, showing up as far south as the Florida Panhandle and Texas to the north into Michigan. One area that you will not find the Big Dipper Firefly at any time of the year is the far northern reaches of the country, including New England.

Some parts of the southeastern U.S. see certain firefly species appear as early as March and April before disappearing during the peak of the summer. Activity begins to ramp up in the mid-Atlantic, the Appalachians, and the Midwest in June. July brings the peak of the Big Dipper Firefly to the northern tier of the country, including the Great Lakes and the Northern Plains. The action begins to die down in August across the country. By September, only a few flickers across the Gulf Coast and the Deep South remain.

Joyce notes that the observations submitted by the public are instrumental in helping scientists to better understand where and when fireflies are the most active. The Xerces Society is able to monitor flash patterns and photographs to help share location details. The flash pattern details also help scientists identify different species of fireflies without having to collect them.

How to Create a Welcoming Environment for Fireflies