Summertime dusk in Northern Virginia is pure magic, as tiny flashes of light dance across the landscape. For generations, kids have embraced the tradition of grabbing a jar, poking holes in the lid, and adding a bed of grass —creating a temporary home for the region’s most dazzling beetle, the firefly.
Whether you call the glowing creatures fireflies or lightning bugs — they are neither flies nor bugs — these beetles, in the family Lampyridae, are unmistakable for their bioluminescent quality.
“I do think they’re so magical,” says Vienna resident Eileen Kragie, founder of Dark Sky Friends, a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor lighting at night. “It’s just a quintessential part of summer for so many of us.”
The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy reports that Northern Virginia is home to around 20 species of fireflies, with more than 100 species in North America. When fireflies flash, the love connections begin: They’re sending signals to attract potential mates, turning the night into an enchanting courtship display. But experts warn that firefly populations are rapidly declining due to environmental threats like light pollution, pesticides, habitat loss, poor water quality, invasive species, and climate change.
Grow the Glow
Experts suggest simple ways to help lightning bugs thrive.
“Having native plants and a variety of flowers, some shrubs, a couple of trees, that’s very helpful,” says Judy Gallagher, board member for the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance.
Naturalists recommend not disturbing areas of your property that have leaf litter, rotting logs, and undisturbed soil to create shelter for fireflies. As you may expect, chemical pesticides and fertilizers are a no-no.
“When you spray for mosquitoes — I hate them too — but it doesn’t just target mosquitoes. It wipes everything out,” warns Kragie. “I think [fireflies are] definitely something worth preserving in Virginia.”
Finding Fireflies
Looking for a magical firefly experience in the region? Several public natural areas in Northern Virginia provide ideal firefly habitats. Fort C.F. Smith Park in Arlington County and Sweet Run State Park in Loudoun County are two top spots to witness captivating firefly displays this time of year.
TIP: If you’re catching fireflies for a short stay in a jar, keep your tiny guests satisfied by adding apple slices. Fireflies will readily drink the juice. Don’t forget to ensure they have ventilation and let the glowing beetles go after a day.
“I don’t think capturing them does any harm,” says Gallagher. “And if it makes someone enthusiastic about insects, I think that’s great.”
Feature image, Lindsey/stock.adobe.com
This story originally ran in our June Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
