Fireflies Information for Kids: Be a Firefly Scientist

Be a firefly scientist and join us for some firefly fun!!

What states have fireflies?

Fireflies that glow are found in the eastern United States, east of the Mississippi River all the way from Maine to Florida. If you live in the West, in states like California, Oregon and Washington, you probably won't see fireflies. Fireflies like warm, moist climates and scientists think it may be too dry in these states.

When can I start watching fireflies?

Fireflies can be seen starting in late spring or early summer. Watch for them starting in June until mid to late August or even September, depending upon where you live.

Counting fireflies is easy and fun!
Just follow these simple steps:

Pick a location (like your own backyard!) and register your location on the Museum of Science Boston website.

Spend 10-15 minutes once a week observing fireflies and answer some easy questions like:

• How many fireflies did you see?
• How many different firefly colors did you see?
• How many flashing patterns did you see?
• Where were the fireflies that you watched?

Record the answers on the MOS data sheet and upload your observations to the website. Use the online tools to have fun helping scientists map where fireflies are found and interacting with fellow Citizen Scientists.

Use the MOS web site to have fun helping scientists map where fireflies are found and interacting with fellow Citizen Scientists.

To learn more about fireflies and to join the Museum of Science, Boston (“MOS”) Firefly Watch Project go to www.mos.org/fireflywatch/.