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How to Rear Fireflies

Fireflies are seemingly magical beetles that have fascinated us for centuries. Kids and adults alike spend hours catching them in jars for closer observation. Entomologists that study fireflies still aren't sure what adult fireflies eat during their short lives, or if they even do eat. What is known is that firefly larvae live for about a year and are carnivorous. Fireflies love humid, warm environments and tall grass. There is mounting evidence that fireflies are disappearing due to habitat loss, so rearing fireflies and cultivating environments beneficial to them has become increasingly important.

Things You'll Need

Jars and lids
Peat moss
Aquarium charcoal
Rake
Larvae food
Grass clippings
Paper towel

Instructions

- 1
  Collect small half-pint jars and fill them with moist, sterile soil prior to adding collected larvae. Terry Lynch (a naturalist and firefly expert) recommends a 1:1 mixture of moist peat moss and aquarium-grade activated charcoal for the medium.
- 2
  Collect firefly larvae in fall or early summer. The larvae glow when disturbed, and can be found by raking through leaf litter on a dark night after a rain in wetland areas. Larvae are cannibalistic, so use a separate jar for each one.
- 3
  Feed the firefly larvae small pieces of earthworm, moist dog food pellets and aquatic snails. When provided with the proper food and soil, the larvae will pupate in spring or early summer and then emerge as adult fireflies.
- 4
  Place the fireflies that emerge into a separate clear jar with a pierced lid. Give them grass at the bottom and place a moistened paper towel inside to keep the air in the jar humid. Only keep them for a couple days for observation, then let them go to find a mate and lay eggs.

Animals & Science