Aha Nature Moments: Fireflies

“Hey, do you like my flickering, glowing light pattern?”
You might get a date with that line — if you are a firefly! During the summer, fireflies attract mates using unique flash patterns, which allows individuals to differentiate between firefly species. A successful matchup will result in eggs that develop into larvae, or “glow-worms” — the next firefly generation! The habitats at the Fernald Preserve, Ohio, Site are home to at least 7 species of fireflies.