Posted in New Jersey Nature August 16, 2020 by

Fireflies Are On The Rise In New Jersey – Here’s Why

With all the bad news out there, it’s nice to enjoy a little good news every now and then…and we’ve got some for you. Fireflies are on the rise in New Jersey this summer! First things first…do you call them fireflies, lightning bugs, or something else? Share with us in the comments!

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Who spent summers catching fireflies? Who just enjoyed watching them light up the sky?
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For years, firefly populations have been on the decline. This is due to a variety of factors including light pollution, pesticides, and habitat destruction.
Brian Sanders/Flickr
However, you may be noticing more this summer! New Jersey had a wet spring, creating the ideal conditions for firefly populations to thrive.
Windslash/Flickr
And there's even better news...there are easy things that we can do to support firefly populations.
Marty Gable/Flickr
Turn off porch and outdoor lighting when you don't need them. Add water features to your yard, if possible, and avoid pesticides. Use natural fertilizers and plant pine trees. These are just some of the ways we can help fireflies.
We've also got some fun facts about fireflies. Depending on their species, they can glow shades of yellow, green, and red.
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Some species glow, while others flicker. Fireflies inhabit all continents except Antarctica.
Fireflies can and do synchronize.
Stagnant Life/Moment Collection/Getty Images
While there is no absolute explanation for this, there are several theories involving diet, altitude, and social interactions. Three areas where synchronization is recognized and well-known include Malaysia (along rivers in the jungle), Elkmont, Tennessee, in the Great Smoky Mountains during the first weeks of June, and Congaree National Park in South Carolina.

When they synchronize, they can do so perfectly! Also good to know…fireflies aren’t actually flies (they’re soft beetles) and their light is the most efficient known light in the world. Nearly 100 percent of the energy in the chemical reaction that causes their bioluminescence is emitted as light.