Whether you call them fireflies or lightning bugs, these glowing little beetles are a quintessential summer experience in the South—so much so that they’re even one of the state insects of Tennessee.

These bioluminescent bugs aren't just fun to look at—they're also beneficial for your garden.

Until recently, I’ve never seen fireflies. I’ve lived in Massachusetts for 25 years, and only now have I spotted them in my yard. I want to help you find fireflies in nature and make your backyard ...

For many of us, seeing fireflies light up the night is one of the more pleasant signs that summer has arrived. But what's behind their sparkling flights? And what can we do to bring more of these ...

Firefly populations have decreased due to habitat loss, light pollution and chemical use. Fireflies are beetles that use bioluminescence for mating, with some species employing deceptive tactics.

This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist's weekly newsletter. It's firefly season in the Blue Ridge. As the sun goes down, they begin to blink and glow along the water, in the ...

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between Grist and BPR, a public radio station serving western North Carolina. It’s firefly season in the Blue Ridge. As the sun goes down, they ...