SCIENTIFIC NAME
Lampyridae Family
DESCRIPTION
Despite their name, these insects are not flies. They’re actually beetles. There are 29 species believed to be native to Canada, but there is a lot about this group of insects that is still being discovered, including the various species. Fireflies have elongated bodies and their heads have a “pronotum”, which is a cover that protects the top of their heads although, when viewed from the side, you can see their heads. Their upper pair of wings are hard and also serve as protection, similar to ladybugs, aka ladybeetles, which are in the same Coleoptera family. Their larval, or immature, form resembles a grub or millipede. Some live on land (terrestrial), some live in water (aquatic) and others are semi-aquatic.
RANGE
Fireflies live in the warmer regions of Canada.
HABITAT
Look for fireflies in the evening near or in woodlands and wet areas. They can also be found in open areas with surrounding habitat of trees and tall grass such as gardens, small fields and cemeteries.
DIET
Both young and adult fireflies feed on snails, slugs, worms and other soft-bodied insects including the larva of other bugs like mosquitoes. Some adults don’t feed while others eat pollen and/or nectar and are therefore considered a pollinator.