We had record numbers of fireflies in May and June here in Western
Maryland.  At one point, on a beautiful starry night with no moon, our
meadow was sparkling with hundreds of them.  No late sightings this
month, had a few last month.  We have photinus sp. and photuris sp.
here at Broken Wallet Farm.  One is commonly known as "Pennsylvania
Firefly" and the other is actually a predator of fellow fireflies,
matching the female's flash patterns and luring in hapless males of
other species.

I've been recording my sightings via the Firefly Watch website
sponsores by the Boston Museum of Science for the past few years.
It's a great "citizen science" website, and it's also good for kids to
learn about these fascinating beetles.


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Frank Boyle
Rohrersville, MD

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-- 
"The most powerful weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of
the oppressed" - Stephen Biko