Light Up West Virginia's State Parks

A community science survey of lightning bugs, fireflies, and glow-worms on state parks, state forests, and state rail trails

Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, are declining across their range due to light pollution, habitat loss, and other factors. Almost every West Virginian child recalls seeing the majestic flashing displays of fireflies growing up. Amazingly, there are MANY species of fireflies, each with their own unique flashing patterns. As a result of our previous state-wide Light Up West Virginia community science survey, we have 31 confirmed firefly and glow-worm species, with potentially many more unique species to discover.

 How can I help? 

We are wanting to learn more about firefly species biodiversity and their distribution at West Virginia State Parks, State Forests, and Rail Trails. If you are staying overnight or visiting one this spring or summer, enter data on our  online survey  or using the free Survey123 app any time you see fireflies displaying.

 To use the app: 

If taking the survey in the field or as part of a park naturalist program, you can download the Survey123 App for your  iPhone  or  Android .

Then open  this page  on your smart phone and download the Light up West Virginia Survey to your Survey123 App.  

As data is sent via the survey, it will be displayed on this map!

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 How do I know what I'm observing? 

Before submitting your observations, we are asking any participants to watch this short training video (~ 9 minutes) below to understand basic firefly flashing patterns and behavior.

We also have a downloadable, printable Quick Flash Guide for the Fireflies of West Virginia (reference pamphlet mentioned in training video) to become familiar with some of our known firefly species and the habitats they occupy.

 How should I watch them at State Parks? 

All firefly species only come out at specific times of the year and display as adults for only a few weeks, so we encourage surveys at state parks throughout the year. We recommend visiting different locations within a state park since fireflies are habitat specific (e.g. forest vs. field). Some only come out at sunset, and others will wait until a specific time after dusk to start displaying, meaning surveys at different times of night will provide you with a totally different and unique experience!

To enjoy firefly displays to their full potential at state parks, here are some simple rules to follow:

  • No artificial lighting
    • This includes flashlights, lanterns, car headlights, and phones. When necessary, use lighting that has a red filter. If no red filter is available, cover light source with computer printer paper to reduce the brightness. Point light source downward and have off when not needed. If in a car when viewing them, use only running lights when departing (if can be done safely).
  • No flash photography
    • Camera flashing disrupts displays and interferes with communication. Adults only live for 2-4 weeks, meaning their time is precious for successful mating.
  • Stay on designated trails at all times
    • Walking off designated trails can quickly destroy firefly habitat. Fireflies spend most of their lives as larva at ground level where foot traffic can kill fireflies.
  • Do not capture fireflies
  • No smoking or perfume
  • Cover up for mosquito protection
    • If you need or use insect repellent, put it on before arriving at the site you wish to observe fireflies.

Firefly species come out at different times of the year and dependent on habitat, so we encourage multiple surveys throughout the year in different locations!

 How can I help them at home? 

 Creating Firefly Habitat 

In order to attract and conserve multiples firefly species to your backyard, you need to consider their needs both as larvae and adults. Fireflies spend only a few weeks of their life as adults (the stage we normally see), but they spend up to a year or more as larvae within leaf litter, soil, or under tree bark.

Fireflies have four basic needs:

Image contains four horizontal black and white icons detailing the four basic needs of fireflies. First icon of a water droplet with "Water (moisture)" below. Second icon of a worm with "Food" below. Third icon of a sprouting plant with 5 leaves with "Shelter" below. Fourth and final icon of bug spray with a general prohibition sign over it with "Protection" below.

These needs can be met by:

  • Limiting ground-disturbing activities. Set aside a section or strip of your yard unmowed with natural features such as leaf litter and downed wood. If can’t leave any, mow less.
  • Plant native flowers and grasses of varying heights. Pollinators will benefit too!
  • Protect area from pesticides.
  • Have clean sources of water or leave leaf litter for moisture.

Additional Guidelines can be found  here .

 Artificial Light Pollution 

One of the easiest ways to help fireflies at home is to adjust the use of outdoor lighting at night. Fireflies rely on their own lights to communicate with one another. Just as it disturbs us when neighbors or businesses shine lights into our homes, too much light in their homes disturbs fireflies. Landscapes with too many artificial lights can disrupt their behavior, and their ability to find mates!

There are three main ways to reduce the amount of artificial light pollution around your home or business.

1) Timing - Help fireflies by not using lights while they are active

  • Turn lights on only when required
  • Use sensors for security lighting
  • Use timers to turn lights off when unneeded (e.g. when you go to bed)
  • Avoid use during late spring through summer

2) Type - Help fireflies by avoiding bright, white and blue lights that affect them the most

  • Minimize use of decorative outdoor lights
  • Use “warmer” lighting (3000 Kelvin color temperature or less)
  • Use red or amber lights when possible
  • Use dimmer settings whenever possible

3) Direction - Help fireflies by reducing the amount of light pointed at their homes

  • Direct lights toward required areas only (walkways, stairs, etc.)
  • Don’t point lights towards the sky or into the surrounding landscape
  • Select light fixtures with shades that keep light from escaping into the sky and surrounding landscapes
  • Use shade trees as lighting barriers
  • Close curtains at night to reduce the amount of light spilling outside

Artificial light pollution impacts many species besides fireflies, including pollinators, birds, and mammals. By making these adjustments, you will help create a better environment for more than just fireflies, and improve visibility of the night sky! Don’t forget to ask your friends, neighbors, and businesses to get involved!

More information on how to reduce light pollution impacts on fireflies can be found  here .

For recommendations on appropriate outdoor lights,  click here .

Contact Us!

You can email  westvirginiafireflies@gmail.com  if you have questions about the survey or you would like additional information on how you can help fireflies.

We would like to thank all participants for your survey efforts and for visiting our state parks!