What is a lightening bug- Lampyridae is a family of insects in the beetle order Coleoptera. They are winged beetles, and commonly called fireflies or lightning bugs for their conspicuous crepuscular use of bioluminescence to attract mates or prey.  

Yes this is the scientific name and reason for the lightening bug, now i will tell you one of the many reasons for these small magical insects.  When was the first time you remember looking out and seeing these little fairies dancing around in your yard,   when was the first time you took off running to try and catch these wonderful bugs?  (fireflies are not actually bugs, they are a type of beetles)

On a warm southern night,  the crickets are chirping and the frogs are croaking… the day is winding down and its almost time to go inside and call it a night when you see the first flash, it makes you glance in that direction,  then you strain your eyes to see the next flash,,, then bam… its as though the yard has come alive with these little critters.

Kids from 4 to 40 still are in awe of them,every time they make their appearance in the summer we all get a little thrill when we see the first firefly buzz through our yard. The first time we can point out to our kids how wonderful these flashing bugs are.  We start the cycle of the lightening bug all over again!

Putting them in jars, sitting them in our rooms watching them light up, poking holes in the top so that they can breathe,  and hopefully if they survive the night,,, we put them back out in the morning sun. We see them crawl off and wonder were they go, what happens to them when the day is here. They are nocturnal creatures, meaning they only become active at night time. During their off season and the daytime they like moist swamp-like places where food is plentiful.

Lightening bugs are a warm memory for most people, especially in the southern states were the summers are so warm.  If you haven’t taken your children or grandchildren out lately,, do so,, let them chase the flashing bugs and enjoy the night!