Flicker and flight

Following the light of a bug that became a summertime, childhood wonder.

Written by Ava Fuduric

It’s a warm summer night in the late 2000s. You peek outside and catch a faint glimmer – just for a moment – before it reappears in a different spot. Two, maybe three, or even more tiny flashes of light flicker in the darkness, drawing your attention.

A firefly, you assume, fluttering outside with a sense of determination. You chase after its glow, even if it leads you into the neighbor’s yard. Finally, you cup your hands around it, holding the tiny creature as its light pulses gently in your palm – just before it flickers away.

It’s a simple, cherished childhood memory, shared by countless people across the country and even the world. But there’s so much more to discover about these fascinating insects.

The science behind the glow 

We’ve seen these bright bugs on and off all throughout our lives, isn’t time we understand how they get their neon shine?

According to an article by EarthSky, a website dedicated to updates on the cosmos and world, the light from a firefly is caused by a chemical reaction. When air rushes into the bug’s abdomen, it reacts with a chemical compound known as luciferin, giving off a glow.

When it comes to the “why,” many experts conclude that the flashy style may be used to ward off predators given the insects' bitter taste. However, the bling is also used by male fireflies to desire a mate, and by both genders to attract dinner.

As it seems, that flicker of light we saw in the summer dark wasn’t calling us to chase after all!

Folklore or just fun?

It’s no surprise that these bugs have taken a spotlight throughout history given their unique fflickering feature. This distinct quality has made them the subject of countless legends and traditions throughout history.

In ancient China, manuscripts suggest that people once captured fireflies and placed them in transparent containers to use as lanterns – a practice not too different from what many children do today. In Japanese culture, fireflies were believed to represent the souls of the departed, while in Victorian tradition, their sudden appearance signified an impending death, which unfortunately dims that glow.

So you decide: are fireflies simply summer’s most enchanting decoration or is there something hidden within the glow?

A luminary experience 

A synchronous firefly show is known to take place in only two places in the entire world: Southeast Asia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This breathtaking display showcases a rare phenomena called simultaneous bioluminescence. During this event, thousands of fireflies flash in unison, repeatedly lighting up at the same time all night long. 

This spectacle happens for just two weeks each June, making it a fleeting opportunity to see. Fortunately, for those at Cleveland State University, the Smoky Mountains are within road trip distance to experience this natural wonder.

You remember that cherished childhood memory – the flicker in the dark that pulled you in, kept you mesmerized and made you believe in magic. If you find yourself longing to relive that wonder, allow nature to lead the way. 

You’ve chased fireflies before – why not do it again? Pack your bags, hit the road and catch the glow before it fades because some lights are meant to be chased.