Identification
• Fireflies are long, soft-bodied beetles, up to 3/4 inch long. The
first segment of the thorax hides the head from above. Most larger members
have light-producing organs on the end of the abdomen. Most smaller species
do not. The females of some species are wingless and look like larvae.
The larvae are flattened, have toothed edges, and may also glow.
Host Range
• Firefly larvae are predatory on insects, slugs, and snails. The adults
mostly do not feed, but may take an occasional meal of pollen or nectar.
Life Cycle
• Fireflies have complete metamorphosis and the larvae live in the
soil. Adult lights are used to get the sexes together, with each species
having its own unique flashing pattern.
Other Information
• Adult fireflies are very conspicuous during the warm months.
• Their larvae are often called glowworms.