To submit your own report email burger@burger.com
Please include your city/town and state, and the date of your sighting. Include as many details as you can, such as numbers of fireflies, location (rural/city/wooded area, etc), temperature, time, and so on. Thanks for helping with this project.
Below are reports from Florida, listed in date order, alphabetically by city.
Bristol:
May 3, 1999: A reader reports: On May 3rd we saw fireflies in Bristol, Florida. We were walking along a dirt road with heavy bushes and some trees
on both sides and they were everywhere! Tons of them. It looked like
Christmas lights. It has been very cool and not too humid. It was just
about 9pm, almost completely dark, but with just a little bit of light
left in the sky. We noticed them in this spot last year, but I was not
sure about the time of year.
Deleon Springs:
July 26, 2001: Isabel Cowdrey reports: We have seen fireflies seen in Deleon Springs, Florida!
First time we have seen them in years. We have a small
corner lot, with lots of plants and small and midsize
trees, butterfly houses, lots of plants and a fish
pond. We don't use pesticides. Security lights light up most of the area. On
7-25-01 we saw one in the backyard and three in front yard,
just looking out the door.
Fort Clinch:
July 19, 2002: Mary Driggers writes: I would like to add my comments about seeing literally zillions of firefly's in two places, and why I think that I was seeing that many
congregating together.
The first place that I saw zillions of them, was at Fort Clinch, Florida, near
Fernandina, Florida. We were camping, and it looked like someone had
hooked up the little clear christmas lights in the forest. It appeared
that there was a firefly every square inch! My theory as to why there
were so many there, is that there were ten billion zillion "no see'um
bugs" ... the kind that drives you crazy biting you and you can't see
them! I figured that the firefly's may have been living off of these
tiny bugs. Another place I have seen zillions of lightning bugs is near our lake
in north central Florida. Someone cleared about an acre of land, and
there was zillions of firefly's in the forest next to this cleared site,
so my theory there was that the clearing of the tree's had run the bugs
to the area next to the clearing. That might account for other areas
around the country that might be close to the clearing or stripping of
the forests and the spotting of numerous firefly's. It is quite a sight
to behold when you see that many.
Fort Lauderdale:
May 25, 1999: A reader sends: We saw One firefly here in the forested part of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I have lived here for thirteen years and have never seen one before
tonight. It was about 11 pm and it flew around our yard. Just one. We
also have had a fire going on in the Everglades this week and I wonder
if it drove it to us by way of wind or if it was just forced out into
the suburbs of South Florida.
Gainesville:
April 22, 2004: A reader writes: Hi. Are you still taking these reports? I live in Gainesville, Florida. It is April 22, 2004, and
77 degrees.
I saw what looked like a large firefly, 9:30 pm, flying just beneath the tree
branches. It's flight pattern reminded me of a butterfly; the light
regularly pulsed on and off and was bright. When it caught my attention, I first
thought it was something else. I did not see any others. Seemed odd, it made me
curious about fireflys, they see so rare anymore.
April 9, 2002: Maurice McReynolds writes:
For the first time this year the fireflies are out. I noticed them a few minutes ago and wondered what they ate and if I could encourage them. So I hit the net to see what I could find. I found you, among other things.
I live in Gainesville, Forida, The light conditions were dark of evening about an hour after sunset. there is very little artificial light in the immediate area. The nearest street light is about 200 feet away. There are a couple of dozen within a normal scan from left to right of an area 200 feet. They are hanging out in woods along a creek that runs along the back of our lot and trough the subdivision. The color of their light is more white than green. They blink rapidly and are lit very briefly. I first thought this was because they were young but the pattern remains the same until they disappear again. I will keep my eye open for them each night until they leave, they are a real treat to see and are quite the event in our back yard.
Hilliard:
May 11, 2005: A reader notes: I live in
Hilliard, Florida, and have a 40 acre farm mostly woodlands. Happy to say that the fireflies are thriving well here at Country Day Castle and Stable. We offer all kinds of activities here and one thing for sure, you will see plenty of fireflies starting April through October. Check us out at www.countrydaystables.com
Hollywood:
June 16, 2005:
A reader writes: Hey. I had quite a few fireflies flyin around 2 weeks ago in my back yard. I live in Hollywood, Florida, in an
urban setting. Just wanted to let you know. We have a
golf coarse behind the house and some watery area. They
tease me when I try and catch them. They're hard to get
and I don't wanna do any damage to them so I try and
just sit back and watch them do their thing. I know
what you're talking about with the levels going down.
I'm only 20 and even 10 years ago I remember places at
night being swarmed with em. Now only the occasional
few will grace the area if we're lucky. I'm sure global
warming and the low water levels can contribute to
their decline. As they can be contributed to the
decline of many species around here, along with over-development and apathy among the people. Anyhow, I was
wondering if you're aware of any good spots around South
Florida where one might be able to do some firefly
watching, maybe take some photographs or just play
around. Anyhow, I'd love to know. Thanks for the great
info on the website. Good luck with your research. I'd love to stay updated on how our populations down
south are doin! Take care.
Lakeland:
April 2, 2006: A reader reports:
Today, April 2nd, 2006 I saw a firefly in the front yard of my home, located on the
north side of Lakeland, Florida, which is in Central Florida. I live in a suburb area on the north side
of Lake Gibson. It was around 9:00 p.m. and the temperature was around 70 degrees.
It has not rained here in several days and I had the sprinkler running. I did not see
any others, just the one.
Melrose:
June 1, 2003: A reader notes:
I moved here from North Carolina and had given up on seeing them again (they were plentiful in the summer in Raleigh NC) but I did see a sparse few here recently where I live in Melrose, Florida. Since I was not aware of your website until now I cannot give you any exacts other than that it was in March or April of 2003. They were hard to spot and didn't come at night but right around dusk. I also live in a very rural wooded area. I will keep on the lookout and keep you informed.
Miami:
October 4, 2000: A reader writes: In the late fifties/early sixties, I was growing up in a rural area outside Miami, Florida. When twilight arrived we used to turn off all the television and all the lights in the house, then sit in front of the plate glass windows overlooking some undeveloped land. Soon we would see the first firefly. That sighting was quickly followed by many more fireflies. They were easy to catch, but we always let them go. Those were wonderful evenings. Now I leave in Roswell, Georgia, which is just north of Atlanta. In the last few years I have seen only a few fireflies. I really miss them. I was searching to find a way to attract fireflies to our backyard. We have a butterfly bush that really works wonders in attracting butterflies. If you ever discover a source raising or attracting fireflies, just let me know...I'd love to try to encourage them to live in our neighborhood. Sounds like others are looking for a source too...maybe this is a good business opportunity for someone!
Mims:
April 11, 2006: Diane Pallot reports:
I live in a small town near Titusville Florida called Mims, Florida. In my
development I live adjacent to a wooded common area; however, that is not
where the fireflies are. They used to be across the street in two vacant
lots. The lots were wooded and lots of long wild grass covering most of the
ground. The first year I spotted them was 1996. I never saw anything as
beautiful. The entire wooded lots were lit up with what seemed to be
thousands of fireflies. It looked as other people have described as small
Christmas lights twinkling on the ground. Green in color, they would blink
just after dark and kept on until 10:00 or 11:00 p.m. My block is a mile
long with other woods, but the fireflies seem to be in primarily one spot on
my block. As the years have past the two lots have been developed. One
neighbor left most of his woods; the other (this is where they
mostly were) was clear cut. I told the owner of the land that he ruin a
beautiful thing. Now I see them in my backyard which also has the underlying
grass . I believe this grass may have something to do with their survival.
There is very little lawn on my 1 acre, mostly natural woods. We have
screech owls, turkeys, hogs, raccoons, armadillos, opossums, flying
squirrels, and gray squirrels….behind my backyard woods is my neighbors
woods so there is plenty of area for our fireflies to court one another.
They always come at the same time every year, the first week in April and
stay for two or three weeks. It is now the 11th of April and I can see them
already starting to disappear. I don’t believe I will ever see thousands as
I did in the past near my property but I am glad that they did not disappear
all together.
There is still some across the street where the neighbor who kept his woods
lives. However they are just not as many. I do not spray any pesticides on
my lawn or any fertilizer except Milorganite. This year we are having a
drought so I do not know how this will affect their breeding. I feel blessed
to have them.
Naples:
March 17, 2006: Doris E. Sinclair notes:
I am happy to report that here in Naples, Forida, which is in southwest Florida, we have a fine supply of fireflies and have been observing them for at least the past 5 years. And their numbers appear to be increasing. We live in a more rural area on 5 acres of our own, plus the 5 acre tracts on either side of us are not developed. Our fireflies seem to prefer the woods. The first one was sighted at the end of February and since then they seem to be more plentiful each night. It is pure joy to walk in the woods with them twinkling. Thanks for providing a venue where this can be shared!
Northwest Florida Panhandle:
June 7, 2005: A reader writes:
I haven't seen any fireflies in my Northwest Florida Panhandle yard in a few
years. This past weekend I went home to the Tennessee Valley
- Quad Cities area of northwest Alabama , and saw dozens of fireflies each night at my father's
house, near where I saw them when growing up. On the last night, I secured a
gallon jug, complete with air holes punched in metal cap and captured by hand
(only) at least 16 (maybe two dozen) fireflies. I let them "overnight" in the
garage outside. The next morning, a couple of them looked dead and like they
were on their backs. Nevertheless, I decided to take them home (in the
floorboard of the car - not the hot trunk!). After a five hour drive home, I
immediately 'dumped' them in a back corner of our acre lot near some trees/shrubs
just outside our butterfly/hummingbird garden. They all seemed alive, and a
couple took flight. I don't know what I expected but I have been more than
rewarded thus far. That first night, near dusk, I watched where I had
'dumped' them, and lo and behold, flickers appeared and I counted at least a dozen
separate fireflies. They had stayed in the area, dormant I presume in the
afternoon, and now began their area tours. They fanned out across my backyard,
eventually over my house and six foot fence into neighborhood yards and
highways. After about 45 minutes, there was not a single flicker left in my yard.
I supposed that was the end of it, and hoped they would live and survive in
our neighborhood, despite bats, frogs, and windshields of vehicles! But,
nevertheless, the second night at dusk, I again stood vigil. Sure enough, as
I watched several fireflies gradually lit up (maybe 8 - 10 separate ones) and
again scouted out my back yard and soon were out on the neighborhood, with
not a flicker remaining in my back yard after about 45 minutes. Tonight is
the third night and I just came in, and there were at least 6-7 fireflies who
had returned "home" to the back corner of my lot last night. I will keep
watching each night and see how many return each day. I hope that they have had
time to lay eggs for larva for next year. Now, I suppose everyone would
have told me that I am crazy to try this experiment, and no one is more
surprised than me that it has lasted three nights so far. It has been very
entertaining and I hope to 're-introduce' fireflies to my yard and neighborhood. I
obviously can't say "it worked" yet, nor further that it might work for you,
but I have had a ton of fun (like I was a little kid again) welcoming my
friends back home each night at dusk, and bidding them safe voyage as they head out
exploring my neighborhood. It has already been well worth the trouble and
time it took to arrange the experiment.
Ocala:
July 3, 2000: A reader reports: We have lived in North Central Florida near Ocala, Florida all our 38 years and
we grew up catching fireflies. We have not seen fireflies in our area
for years and have wondered what happened to them. We would like to see
fireflies in our area as they fascinate our children. We recently
vacationed (end of June) in central New Jersey and the fireflies were
plentiful. We also saw fireflies in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee two years
ago but there were only a few. If you find a way to reintroduce
fireflies to your area please let us know. Thanks.
August 7, 2000: A reader writes: I saw your site regarding fire flies while browsing, have you been able to locate a source for obtaining fire flies ?
I live in Orlando, Florida, and have seen fire flies in Ocala, Florida, which is
about 80 miles North West of Orlando, also while visiting a friend in
Atlanta.
We would love to try and populate the greater Orlando area.
Thanks !
Orange City:
September 9, 2000: Jim Kelly reports: We recently moved from an area where fireflies appeared each spring. For
about 3 to 4 weeks, usually in March, we would have a very large amount in
our yard. There were so many we considered it somewhat spectacular and many
visitors to our home would comment on them. We saw them every year during
our residence there from 1989 to 1999. The location was Orange City, Florida, in Southwest Volusia County. The area
is within 100 miles of the Ocala forest. It is a rural location. An area of
thick brush and few houses. All 21 blocks of the neighborhood were on dirt
roads. Turkey oaks were the predominate tree type and their large leaves
covered the ground. In fact I would weed eat the wooded areas surrounding
our yard to keep the green vegetation down and leave the leaves on the ground
to form a mat of mulch. Based on the information I have read on your site, I
would guess this provided a good habitat for the fireflies. In the ten years we lived there I can only remember the county spraying for mosquitos a few times. I hope this information helps.
Orlando:
July 17, 2000: Linda Motyka notes: My family and I used to visit relatives in southwest Tennessee every summer
and that's where I saw my first firefly. We called them lightning bugs back
then. Two nights ago I was sitting on my patio here in Orlando, Florida
about 10:30 p.m. and spotted 3 of them. I took it as a good omen. My
boyfriend had just proposed. And I said. "yes."
Panama City:
July 11, 2002: A reader writes: I too remember seeing "Lightning Bugs" in the thousands as a child. I've
often wondered why I never see them anymore. On July 9th my children saw one
for the first time while we were camping at St. Andrews State Park in Panama
City, Florida. The beetle was alone flying along the saw grass in a salt
water lagoon. It gave us loads to talk about as my wife and I shared stories
of years past with our kids.
Ponte Vedra Beach:
May 12, 2005:
Claudia Springer writes: Hi. I live in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and haven't seen fireflies here in over 10 years. I've been told it was the chemicals from the golf courses that are creating a problem for fireflies. The past week, however, I have seen fireflies in my
back yard again! For the most part, the weather has been beautiful each night of the sighting,
about 68 degrees, clear as a bell, 8:30 pm. Same scenario each night. I
live in a suburban neighborhood, but my yard is landscaped with mature viburnum,
ptysporum, and lots of honeysuckle - however, as before (nearly 10 years ago),
the fireflies seem to like the viburnum.
It seems unusual that they should be seen this early in the year and also
with our weather so unusually cool right now. Even as a kid I remember loads of
fireflies in July, and especially after a rain.
I've only seen two at the most but before dusk today (May 12), I watered the
yard in hopes that tonight's sighting would have more fireflies. Yep, I was
right! Same time: 8:30 pm, about 68 degrees, clear, saw 5 fireflies. Hope this helps.
South Florida:
August 5, 2000: A reader writes: I saw a firefly on July 31st in South Florida, between Ft. Lauderdale and Palm
Beach. There was only one. It was dusk, right before real darkness...just a
tiny bit of light hanging on.
I live in a suburban neighborhood..houses, gardens, lawns etc. and it occurred to me that I hadn't seen one in years.
So I mailed everyone in my address book asking if they see fireflies where
they live
and if, like me,they have noticed a great decline in their numbers over the
years.
I got answers from many places.
They have been seen in North Carolina, on Long Island, NY and Austin Texas.
My friends in Mass. report very few or none as do upstate New York and Marin
County, Ca. (north of San Francisco).
Everyone agrees that they see far fewer then they did in the past.
Many asked me where they have gone. I've tried to learn and that is how I
found your website.
I'd like to know too.
You asked for theories...Here's mine:
The aliens took them. They traveled thousands of light years, explored our
planet and found fireflies to be the one thing we have worth having. They
couldn't figure out how fireflies make cold light either.
If you ever get a definitive answer, please let me know.
I applaud your efforts. It's a good thing you're doing.
St. Augustine:
May 4, 2008: Michale
Worley reports: We're in a rural area south of St Augustine, Florida. Approximately 2000 hours with a temperature of around 77F.
I noticed one firefly toward the tops of a stand of oak trees next to our house. Thought I was seeing things as we have been in Florida since
1997 and I have never seen one firefly. After a bit of observing, several more showed up. I would say that in total there were at least a half dozen fireflies. My wife also witnessed the sightings.
It was a real treat for me, as I have not seen any fireflies since
1977 in New Jersey.
Tallahassee:
May 7, 2003: Mary Schaad notes: I was watching the fireflies in my back yard last evening. Seems to me there are a few more this year than last and earlier too. Our neighbor does not have a porch light burning and I noticed the insects congregate in her yard more than ours; also they fly very high into the tops of the trees. We live inner city but amongst lots of trees in Tallahassee, Florida. We have four large butterfly bushes in the back yard. I was looking up information on what I can do to provide a stable environment for the fireflies to thrive in. There is something so peaceful and romantic about seeing them!
Wellington:
March 20, 2006: A reader reports:
I live in Wellington, Florida, which is in Palm Beach County. I have seen
hundreds of fireflies in the past few days behind my house. We live on a
natural preserve and there is some water separating our house from the
preserve. It hasn't rained in awhile, but the nights have been really nice
and in the 60's, and there isn't much humidity now. Mostly all of the
fireflies stay in the preserve, but a few show up in my yard. By the way,
it's March 20th, the first day of Spring!
Weston:
May 9, 2003: A reader writes: We live in Weston, Florida, (Broward County) Our backyard is filled with fireflies. We live on a lake, have lots of flowers and butterfly gardens, and use no pesticides. It's really nice to see them out there.
Yankeetown:
May 1, 2006: Diane Pallot reports:
I live in a small town near Titusville Florida called Mims, Florida. I sent in a firefly report on April 11 about fireflies in Mims, Florida. I have made a new discovery
in Yankeetown, Florida. We have a cottage over there and we have discovered
them in some adjacent woods. They seem to like areas with hardwood trees and
low lying shrubs and grass. Glad they are there as well.