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Fireflies in Winter?

Most people associate fireflies with soft summer evenings, but late in February and into March it is possible to see Winter dark fireflies (Ellychnia corrusca) glowing in the woods.  The larvae and pupae have the ability to bioluminesce, but lose the necessary organs as they become adults during their two-year lifespan. Larvae are predators and can be found in decaying logs, especially pine; they tend to live in colonies because the habitat is good. So keep a look out and you may see the glow high up on trees or lower down on fallen snags.

 

Photo by Flickr user Dann Thombs, CC BY-NC 2.0