Firefly Photinus species

Identification
These beetles have soft bodies and produce flashing light signals.

Location
Common statewide

Size
Half inch

Diet
They feed on nectar pollen and small insects.

Habitat
They occur in fields forests and yards.

Activity Period
May to August

Behavior
They use bioluminescence for mating communication. They are active in warm months.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in summer.

Population
Some species are declining.

History
They have long been widespread in Ohio.

Human Interactions
They often delight observers at night.

Facts
Their light is produced through chemical reactions.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Nectar pollen small insects | Fields forests suburbs | Statewide