The Magic of Fireflies in our Yards?
by Lisa Williams
 

     Remember when you were a kid, and you chased fireflies in your backyard? These once prolific dancing night lights are declining and are currently found only in rural areas that don’t spray pesticides, like Ft George. We could entice fireflies back to our yards, but we’d have to make a couple changes to our landscaping. The first step is to stop spraying pesticides. Second is to understand and provide habitat for all life stages of the firefly.

     Habitat loss continues to be the primary reason for loss of all wildlife, including fireflies, and planting native plants is one way we start to fix the problem. Native plants provide the specialized food that these creatures need to reproduce. Without them, the species will disappear. Moreover, since insects are the base of the food chain- and so important to birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish- planting natives has the potential to truly help all these animals too. 96% of terrestrial birds feed their babies only insects, and mainly caterpillars.

     Insects move through different stages in their life cycle so in order to survive, they must be able to find habitat in each stage. So, if we want to attract fireflies to our yards here is what we need to provide for all their life stages.

     Large beds under large shade trees are a benefit to many creatures, including fireflies. A bed means you don’t mow there which allows wildlife to find cover and shelter. Many insect species move from tree branches to the ground where the larvae burrow down into the ground. Others drop off the tree and ride out the winter in the leaf litter or twigs on the ground.

     Fireflies lay their eggs in the ground or in leaf litter. The eggs hatch into larvae which stay predominantly in the soil where they produce light to attract soft bodied prey like snails and slugs. This is why they’re sometimes known as glow worms. So, if you want fireflies, incorporate large beds under your trees and leave the leaves and small twigs- you’ll get the added benefit of natural fertilizer too.

     Depending on species, firefly adults feed on pollen, nectar or even dewdrops which they get from native plants. Supply your yard with different types of natives that bloom throughout the summer and into fall to feed them. Also provide a mix of wildflowers, tall grasses, shrubs and small and large trees to appeal to different firefly behaviors. Some fireflies need the tree bark on which to pupate. Some roost on tall grasses like muhly and fakahatchee grass.

     Install a wood pile for protection and a small in- ground water feature for water. Eliminate exterior lighting after 10 or 11pm. Turning out the lights allows fireflies to flash and find their mates, but it also helps migrating birds which are confused by the light and upon seeing tree reflections in the glass, crash into it.

     Adult fireflies emerge in the spring with one job, to find a mate, which they do by flashing their lights back and forth. We can help them continue the magic by turning our yards into beautiful, AND helpful wildlife habitat.

Learn more about how to attract Fireflies in your yard!

The Prunus Genus, which includes these two plums pictured above, is the second most important food source for our wildlife based on Doug Tallamy’s research. Be kind to our wildlife and add one of these small trees to your yard!

1. Chickasaw Plum -Prunus Augustifolia

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Growth Habit: Small tree; suckers and can form thickets

Soil: Moist soil, occasionally dry

Host plant: This shrub is a host plant for many butterflies and moths including the Coral hairstreak (Satyrium titus), Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), Spring azure (Celastrina ladon), Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) and the Red-spotted purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax).  It also a host for the larvae of the Promethea silkmoth (Callosavia promethea), Imperial (Eaches imperialis), Polyphemus (Antheraea polyphemus) and the Cecropia (Hyalophora cecropia) moths.

2. Flatwoods Plum- Prunus Umbellata

Soil: Dry to moist

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Growth habit: small tree

Garden tips: Unlike Chickasaw plum, Flatwoods plum typically does not sucker or form thickets, making it suitable as a specimen or accent plant. However, the two species can hybridize. Flatwoods plum does best in moist soils with afternoon shade but is tolerant of drier soils and sun.

Host plant for: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). You may see three flights from February-November. Native bees are attracted to the flowers.

*Every month, "Planting with a Purpose" is published in our NEFL Newsletter.
To find past issues, check the Newsletter Archive page.

1. Wacca Pilatka LLC   (design and installation available)
904-859-4033
Waccapilatka.com
keepingfloridawild@gmail.com

2. Native & Uncommon Plants
904-388-9851
Goingnativejax@gmail.com
http://www.nativeanduncommonplants.com/

3. Chiappini Farm Native Nursery    
352-475-5413
https://chiappinifarm.com/

4. Native Plant Consulting (design and installation available)
904-671-2880
nativeplantconsulting.com

5. Garden For Wildlife
www.GardenforWildlife.com       

6. Mail Order Natives (online only)
www.mailordernatives.com
mailordernatives@gmail.com
Use code SIERRACLUB10 for $10 off for any purchase (One-time only; No expiration)

7. Bella Jardins Boutique
Order online and she delivers.
https://bellajardins.boutique/

8. Lark Native Plants
https://larknativeplants.com/index.html

9.  Audubon's website Plants for Birds
https://www.audubon.org/plantsforbirds

10. Green Isle Gardens
https://www.greenislegardens.com/retail.html#/

11. Plant Place Nursery
https://www.plantplacenursery.com/ 

Homegrown National Park - Join Doug Tallamy’s quest to turn half of all turf grass into native plantings.  Register your yard here: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/

Florida Native Plant Society - For all kinds of info on native plants including Finding Plants Based on Your Location and Needs: https://www.fnps.org/plants

IXIA Native Plant Society - For info on our local native plant society: https://ixia.fnpschapters.org/