FIREFLIES! 

Who? What? Where? When? Why? 

Is it a firefly or lightning bug? Why are fireflies disappearing? Where do fireflies live? What do the flashes mean? When can you see fireflies?  

Lightning bugs...flying about on a hot summer night twinkling and magical...creating childhood memories chasing and catching these gentle bioluminescent bugs...engaged in a neon conversation in the dark in a language unknown to humans... 

Fireflies...voracious predators who inject prey with paralyzing neurotoxins and then consume them...deceiving future partners with flashing lights lying in wait to devour them...producing the most efficient light with no heat...containing chemicals used to study diseases in humans...disappearing worldwide... 

Join Dr. Clyde Sorenson of the NC State Department of Entomology to learn more about the these glowing beetles! 

Clyde Sorenson is an Alumni Association Distinguished Undergraduate Professor of Entomology at North Carolina State University. He teaches about the interactions between humans and insects, insect ecology, and insect pest management at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. His research spans from agricultural pest management to insect ecology, particularly that associated with longleaf pine savanna ecosystems. For the last 10 years, Dr. Sorenson has been particularly interested in the firefly fauna of North Carolina. He lives in Clayton, NC, with his wife, two chocolate labs, three cats, three ducks, and a 40 year old blue-fronted Amazon parrot named Floyd. 

A statewide citizen-science effort to identify populations of all ghost fireflies is underway — and you can help! The Carolina Ghost Hunt has identified several new sites for the Piedmont ghost firefly in the Triangle area, as well as populations as far away as Montgomery County. To learn more about the program and how to participate (while protecting the ghosts!) visit Carolina Ghost Hunt 

June 24th starting at 6 pm in the auditorium of the Durham County Main Library located at 300 North Roxboro Street in Durham.  

Registration is appreciated in order to receive notifications about this event. Seating is first come first served. Registration does not hold or guarantee a seat.    

Parking is available in the library parking lot or at the North Queen Street Garage (115 North Queen Street) located directly across from the library behind the apartments under construction.   

Questions? Email mkoslofsky@dconc.gov 

Synchronous Firefly - Photinus carolinus observation by © Patrick Coin