Few people know that fireflies recently became the official insects of Indiana. It was only in the past couple of years that these little critters were deemed part of our Hoosier culture. Keep reading to learn how and why it came to be.

Prior to 2018, the Hoosier State did not even have a state insect. Governor Eric Holcomb signed legislation proclaiming that the Say's Firefly would be Indiana's official bug.
Flickr/Danielle Brigida
Native to the state, this species is apparently named after a Hoosier, Thomas Say. He was known for his study of insects and animals and may have discovered the specific species.
Flickr/daveoratox
Not all states have an official insect. The effort to name the firefly as Indiana's bug was an initiative started by students at Cumberland Elementary in West Lafayette.
Flickr/s58y

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For many Hoosiers, catching fireflies, or lightning bugs (as some call them), is a pastime that will never be forgotten. These unique insects light up summer nights and make dark backyards come to life.
Wikimedia Commons/Mike Lewinski
Some collect them and put them in jars so as to create a sort of lantern of light. Just be sure to give them air and let them go once you're finished for the night.
Wikimedia Commons/Bruce Marlin
Fireflies play a major role in our ecosystem. They oxidize the soil and feed frogs and spiders. There are known to be at least 170 different species in North America and 1,900 species worldwide.
Wikimedia Commons/Judy Gallagher
Did you know? Not all fireflies flash and those that do have a different way of doing it than each other. There are so many different kinds including ones that start early and go to bed early as well as those that stay up all night long.

Share your fondest memories of fireflies with us below in the comments.

For more like this, check out these 13 things you should know before moving to Indiana.

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