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How to Make Firefly Jars

Catch fireflies on a warm summer evening and put them in a jar for a nature light. Use any type of glass jar. Fireflies are beetles. Most fireflies emit light; one known species does not. Male fireflies blink light from their abdomen to find a female to mate with. There are over 2,000 types of fireflies, which are also known as lightning bugs.

Things You'll Need

clear glass jar with metal lid
hammer
nail at least 3 inches long
small sticks and leaves
moist paper towel

Instructions

- 1
  Clean out the jar with warm, soapy water. Allow it to dry completely.
- 2
  Make five or six holes in the top of the lid with the hammer and nail. Hold the nail in place and gently tap the hammer on the head to make the holes. The holes should be about a centimeter apart.
- 3
  Wet a paper towel. Wring it out and lay it on the bottom of the jar. Put two or three small sticks and a couple of leaves on top of the paper towel. The sticks should only reach halfway up the jar.
- 4
  Lay the lid on a hard surface with the inside facing up. Tap the sharp edges from the holes to the side. Be careful not to close up the holes.
- 5
  Catch fireflies with a net or you hands, and put them in the jar.
- 6
  Screw the lid on tightly and enjoy your natural lantern with the entire family.

Insects & Science