Across Ohio, the dog days of summer are upon us with recent high temps and humidity making for sweltering weather.
Popular activities in those conditions usually consist of trips to the local swimming pool or nearby beach for a day of fun in the water.
But those conditions are also the perfect recipe to take in a outdoor light show courtesy of dancing lightning bugs or fireflies, with what you call them possibly depending on where you live.
In Ohio, people in the Ohio River Valley and Southeast generally say lightning bug, while those in the West and Far North refer to them as fireflies.
The recent warm and humid weather conditions in the state are preferred by fireflies, as they are less likely to make an appearance during cooler conditions.
Current reports and observations this summer across Ohio indicate the firefly population seems to be experiencing a good year. Abundant ground moisture coming out of drought conditions has been a boon to their thriving numbers.
“Lightning bugs in Ohio are abundant this year due to the favorable conditions and the warm, humid nights,” Salt Fork Park naturalist John Hickenbottom said. “Larval lightning bugs live in the soil, and this year the soil was wet all spring and early summer. Healthy, moist soil means more larval fireflies have a better chance of becoming adults and lighting up the fields and woodlands of Ohio.”
Hickenbottom offered a few suggestions to attract lightning bugs to your backyard.
“Because male and female fireflies communicate using light, heavy light pollution dramatically decreases their visibility and reproduction,” Hickenbottom said. “Leaving leaf piles around the edge of your yard, reducing mowing and discontinuing the use of pesticides can benefit your backyard lightning bug population.”
With the summer weather providing a good season for fireflies in Ohio, your chances of catching some impressive lightning bug displays are right outside your door. So get out and enjoy the show!
Ideal conditions for fireflies:
Promising locations in Ohio:
Tips for firefly Viewing:
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This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Are you seeing lots of fireflies in Ohio? Here’s what’s happening throughout the state
Reporting by Kevin Sutton, Zanesville Times Recorder / Zanesville Times Recorder
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
