|
Powered by:
|
|
|
Average Rating:
|
|
|
Participant Age:
|
7 to 12, Under 7
|
|
Approximate Cost:
|
$0
|
|
Duration:
|
1 to 60 minutes
|
|
Date submitted:
|
01/10/2013
|
|
Difficulty:
|
|
|
Physical Challenge:
|
|
Here are four ways to have fun with fireflies on a warm summer night.
Steps
Watch the Light ShowLook for males flashing as they fly and females twinkling in one place. See if you can figure out their flash patterns. Are they all one species or several different ones?
Talk BackUsing a small flashlight, try imitating the patterns you see. If you flash the male's pattern, a female may flash back. Try the female's response; you may lure a male right to your fingertips!
Catch and ReleaseFor a close-up look, catch a few fireflies in a jar. Check them out and then let them go, of course.
Be Firefly-FriendlyMake your neighborhood a good habitat for fireflies. Turn off bright outdoor lights, which "drown out" fireflies' messages. Avoid lawn chemicals. Plant trees, shrubs, and grasses to provide places for the beetles to rest and hide. Then sit back and enjoy the light show!