Firefly (Lightning Bug)

Natural Habitat

Meadows, forests, fields, and wetlands, particularly near standing water or in tall grass.

Diet & Feeding

Adults may eat nectar or pollen, while some species do not eat at all; larvae are predatory, eating snails, slugs, and worms.

Behavior Patterns

Known for bioluminescence used to attract mates and deter predators; they are active during dusk and early night hours during the summer.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans; beneficial to the ecosystem as they help control garden pests like slugs and snails.

Identified on: 6/4/2026