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For the first time in years...
Something rare happened.
A light shining in a dark place...
Deep within my red navel orange tree.
There it was...
A lightning bug!
Flashing in all its glory.
What a relief to see these guys recover after such drastic population declines.
Welcome back to my yard you cool little creatures!
There were a few here in Arkansas last summer, first time i could remember in a long time. Any idea what happened?
Dad and I used to stay up and watch them when I was little, I thought it was the best thing ever, they remind me of when it was just dad and I and no one else, I got lots of memories regarding those little things
I saw several up in Clarke County when I was up before daylight to hunt turkeys.
We have alot in the early summer here in Oklahoma
Yes. There was and is a combination of factors, such as bug sprays and other problems--but the largest culprit in declines in recent decades is street lights.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rich1
The female (and males) are attracted to lights--which Is how they communicate for a pairing off when flashing their own lights.
Problem is, street lights end up being a brighter flash and they fail to find each other once hovering around them and a failed breeding opportunity means no fertilized eggs, means no future populations of lightning bugs.
Now, they are typically only seen in remote areas which have no street lights, and even then it's not like it was before where hundreds would light up a yard when we were kids.
I am so glad to see them this close to the city, I got chills seeing that bug last night. Maybe next the Monarchs, mantises, and dragonflies will make comebacks too.
Maybe Foley will quit spraying, as it never kills the intended bug--the mosquito.
I learn somthing new everyday! Now I'm glad our city doesnt spray for mosquitos.Quote:
Originally Posted by Viking Guy
That is almost as rare as seeing a Viking Guy; where you been?
I was gonna say the same thing Fin.
no shortage of them around here. we even have synchronized lightning bugs in the mountains.
Go to auburn, alabama. All the parks with walking paths near woods are covered with little flashes at dusk. I haven't seen one around my house in a couple years.
Business expanded, so haven't had much time to chat on public forums. Plus, when I was last here, some of the childish drama that ensued from certain individuals was just not worth dealing with. Perhaps that has subsided?Quote:
Originally Posted by FinChaser
I've been out at the pier about a half dozen times this year now that things are stabilizing with our new business acquisitions.
Try to fish the pier when I can, but most of my energies have been devoted to specks throughout the winter in other inland areas where I can travel quick and light.
It was good to see you at the pier last week, VG. For that matter, it was good to BE at the pier last week. :) Don't be a stranger. Roll your pants up and wade in.
After all, where else can you read Haywire?