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."
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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:
Time of year: Fireflies typically emerge in Ohio from late May through August, while the exact timing can vary slightly depending on weather and temperatures.
Time of night: Dusk to about 1.5 hours after sunset is generally the best time.
Weather: Warm, humid evenings are ideal. Fireflies are less active on cooler nights.
Habitat: Look for areas with a combination of of woods, fields and water. They thrive in damp environments with decaying leaves and logs, as their larvae live in these conditions. Avoid perfectly manicured lawns, as they prefer "messy" areas with taller grasses.
Darkness: Artificial light pollution significantly hinders firefly communication and mating. Seek out truly dark areas.
Promising locations in Ohio:
Shawnee State Park (Southern Ohio): "The Little Smokies Fireflies & Biodiversity Weekend" hosted by the Arc of Appalachia has specifically highlighted this area for synchronous fireflies (a rarer species where many flash at once) and Chinese Lantern fireflies.
Cleveland Metroparks (Northeast Ohio): Lake Park Cemetery in Cleveland held "Summer Firefly Spotting" events with naturalists, indicating a good population in this area. Rocky River Reservation reports suggest good firefly displays, especially near Mastick pavilions and along the bride trail. The Bedford Reservation is also mentioned as a place for different species of lightning bugs.
RiverScape MetroPark (Dayton area): While not exclusively about fireflies, they've published articles on how to help firefly populations, suggesting they are present in their parks. Look for wooded areas near water within the park.
Clermont Park (Southwest Ohio): Chilo Lock 34 Park has hosted "Summer Night Hikes: Fireflies" events, indicating good firefly activity there as well.
Southeast Ohio: Some of the best places to view lightning bugs in SEO include the Wilds, Jesse Owens State Park and Appalachian Hills wildlife area, Clear Creek Metroparks (Franklin County Metroparks, located in Fairfield/Hocking co.) and Hocking Hills State Park, one of the darkest places in Ohio. The Arc of Appalachia is a series of preserves in Southern Ohio.
Tips for firefly Viewing:
Go at dusk: Fireflies begin their displays as twilight fades.
Turn off artificial lights: This includes flashlights, phone screens and car headlights, as they disrupt firefly communication.
Be patient and still: Find a comfortable spot and allow your eyes to adjust to the dark.
Don't try to catch them: Enjoy their natural display without disturbing them.
Dress appropriately: Wear long sleeves and pants to protect against other insects.
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This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Fireflies are having a good summer in Ohio
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