15 Fascinating Types of Fireflies Found in the United States

Fireflies are one of those insects that evoke feelings of nostalgia and wonder As children, many of us spent summer evenings chasing their magical lights. But did you know there are actually many different types of fireflies lighting up the night skies across the United States?

In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the most common and fascinating types of fireflies found in the US Understanding the diversity of firefly species helps us better appreciate and conserve these delightful insects.

Overview of Firefly Taxonomy

Before diving into the different types let’s do a quick overview of firefly taxonomy.

Fireflies belong to the Lampyridae family of insects within the beetle order Coleoptera. There are over 2,400 firefly species in 144 genera worldwide. About 120 firefly species are found in North America.

The areas with the highest firefly diversity are Central and South America and Asia, which are home to roughly 50% of all firefly species globally. Scientists estimate there are still many undescribed species around the world.

Below the family level, fireflies are divided into subfamilies and genera. The 5 main subfamilies in North America are:

• Lampyrinae
• Photurinae
• Luciolinae
• Cyphonocerinae
• Ototetrinae

Now let’s look at 15 common firefly species you might encounter!

1. Common Eastern Firefly

The Common Eastern Firefly (Photinus pyralis) is one of the most widespread species in North America. These fireflies grow to about 12-15mm long and produce a yellow-green flash.

Males fly close to the ground, flashing in a J-shaped pattern to attract flying females. Females respond with a flash from low vegetation. You’ll often see them flashing in backyards and fields at dusk in late spring through summer.

2. Big Dipper Firefly

Closely related to the Common Eastern Firefly is Photinus pyralis, also known as the Big Dipper Firefly. As the name suggests, its flashing pattern resembles the Big Dipper constellation.

These fireflies reach 10-15mm long and are common across the eastern and central U.S. in wooded areas near water. Peak flashing season is late May through July.

3. Blue Ghost Firefly

One of the most uniquely beautiful species is Phausis reticulata, known as the Blue Ghost Firefly. Instead of flashing, these fireflies have a continuous blue-green glow.

Females are flightless and glow brightly to attract flying males. Look for Blue Ghosts in hardwood forests across the southeastern U.S. in late spring.

4. Synchronous Firefly

One of the most spectacular displays occurs in the Appalachian Mountains, where thousands of Photinus carolinus Synchronous Fireflies flash in perfect unison.

In late May through June, visit Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains to see this phenomenon where entire hillsides blink on and off in a synchronized display.

5. Winter Firefly

While most fireflies are active in summer, the Winter Firefly (Ellychnia corrusca) flashes in early spring. They are one of the earliest species to emerge, even while snow remains on the ground!

These 10-15mm fireflies are common across the eastern half of the U.S. Look for their flashes near streams in April and May.

6. Pink Glowworm

No need to rub your eyes – the Pink Glowworm (Microphotus angustus) really does glow pink! The larvae and flightless females glow pink, while males are brown and can fly.

Look for their impressive glow in wooded western regions in spring and summer. The glow helps the females attract mates.

7. Firefly Mimic

As the name suggests, certain fireflies mimic the flashing patterns of other species! Photuris fireflies mimic Photinus species to attract and prey on the males.

For this deceit, they earned the nickname “femme fatale.” Watch for their larger size and varied greenish-yellow flashes mixed with other fireflies.

8. Dark Firefly

One of the more mysteriously named species is the Dark Firefly (Pyropyga nigricans). They earned their name from their dark brown to black coloring accented with patches of orange.

These fireflies reach around 8mm long and inhabit fields and meadows in the western U.S. They flash yellow-orange at dusk in summer.

9. California Pink Glowworm

As the name suggests, this species inhabits the western U.S. Unlike its lookalike, the California Pink Glowworm (Ellychnia californica) flashes yellow-green rather than glows pink.

These fireflies start flashing at dusk among oak woodlands in California and neighboring states in early summer.

10. Springtime Fireflies

Several firefly species emerge early in spring, like the Springtime Firefly (Pyractomena borealis). Their larvae crawl down tree trunks to pupate, then adults emerge in late winter, even before snowmelt!

Males fly through bare treetops flashing to attract females still emerging on the ground below. You can spot their flashes in eastern forests on warm late winter evenings.

11. Big-headed Firefly

The aptly named Big-headed Firefly (Ellychnia corrusca) has an oversized pronotum (shield-like plate behind its head) that almost covers its entire head from above. Look for these fireflies flashing yellow-green in meadows in June.

12. dot-tailed Firefly

Many fireflies have distinct markings if you look closely, including the Dot-tailed Firefly (Photuris steinitzi). They have a streak of dots running down the underside of their abdomens.

These fireflies reach around 18mm and are found in pine forests and swamps in the southeastern U.S.

13. Norway Firefly

One European species was introduced to northeastern North America – the Norway Firefly (Lamprohiza splendidula). These fireflies flash yellowish-green and can be found near water sources like lakes and streams.

14. Knight Firefly

Reaching up to 18mm long, the Knight Firefly (Photinus consimilis) is one of the larger species. They are common in eastern North American oak-hickory forests.

Males fly rapidly 1-2 meters above the ground, flashing a brilliant green glow to attract mates.

15. Bethany Firefly

Finally, the Bethany Firefly (Photuris bethaniensis) is a rare species only discovered in 1951 in western Connecticut. Very little is known about this species other than its brilliant, rapid green flashes seen near woodland streams.

This highlights how scientists still have much to learn about different firefly species, even right in our own backyards!

The Enchanting World of Fireflies

As you can see, fireflies are a diverse and fascinating group of insects. Part of protecting fireflies involves understanding all of the different species that inhabit our parks, backyards, and open spaces.

Next time you see those magical lights, take a moment to appreciate the diversity and wonder of nature found in these flickering fields of light.

Phylogeny