Firefly

Photinus pyralis

no photo — written note
photo: Wikimedia Commons
Insects

The common big dipper firefly, flashing a J-shaped swoop at dusk.

Field facts
HabitatLawns, meadows, woodland edges
RangeStatewide
When to lookJune to July evenings
StatusDeclining locally (Indiana DNR / IUCN Red List)
Look-alikesOther Photinus species, Winter Firefly

Field note: Larvae live in damp soil for a year or more, glowing faintly.

Lesson
Watching responsibly

Turn off outdoor lights in June; light pollution blanks their signals.

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